BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

Optometrist Anna Bong explained : “ In layman ’ s terms , the normal and perfect eyeball would be in the shape of a football . Astigmatism is when the eyeball changes into the shape of a rugby ball , which cannot focus light directly onto the retina and instead , the light is scattered at certain angles .”

Anna , who runs her optometry practice Anna Eyecare Optometry in Kuching , said just like the human body , the shape of the cornea and lens varies from person to person . Therefore , most people tend to have mild or slight astigmatism as their eyeball shape is not perfectly round since birth .

Severe cases of high astigmatism are usually inherited genetically . People can also get astigmatism due to excessive eye rubbing at a young age when the eye is still developing and moulding its shape , eye diseases , eye injury or after surgery .

Astigmatism is measured in diopters , the optical power of a lens . You are said to have astigmatism when the diopter reading is above 0.5 , which is the measurement for slight astigmatism . It usually does not necessitate treatment or corrective lenses . Only those with a diopter measurement of one or higher will require contacts or lenses .

Optical prescription for astigmatism corrective lenses or contacts uses cylinder and axis measurement . The cylinder part of the prescription measures the diopter , the degree or extent of the irregularity . Meanwhile , axis measurements are used to determine the location of eye astigmatism on the cornea .

Debunking misconception about astigmatism

The awareness of astigmatism is relatively low , and many misconceptions surround it .

Astigmatism is commonly thought only

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to affect adults . This is untrue because most cases of astigmatism are inherited . Usually , children are unaware that their vision is distorted . Therefore , children need to have regular eye examinations .

Another misconception is astigmatism is caused or worsened by reading in low light and increased screen time . While these activities are not recommended

to prevent eye strain , it does not affect astigmatism specifically .

“ Screen time does not affect astigmatism . It is mainly related to distance . Continuous near work or leaning closely towards a digital screen , especially for children , will elongate and change the shape of the eye , leading to myopia and astigmatism .

“ Another critical misconception is that most people believe they cannot wear contact lenses if they have astigmatism . This is untrue . As long the astigmatism is not too severe , it is possible to wear a contact lens to correct your astigmatism .

“ Soft lenses can be used for those with astigmatism up to -2.75 diopter . Meanwhile , rigid lenses can be used by those with measurement up to -4 diopter .”

Managing patients with astigmatism

“ We cannot cure astigmatism because it is not a disease . It is a refractive error ; therefore , the vision can be corrected with the help of glasses or contact lenses . And we must monitor it regularly to prevent it from worsening quickly ,” explained Anna .

She shared her experience managing a patient with astigmatism . “ I had a patient who came to make new glasses because her night vision was poor . Examination showed that she had astigmatism at about 2.5 diopters .

“ As an astigmatism sufferer myself , I know the importance of measuring the axis of astigmatism . If the axis reading is slightly off , the vision will still be blurry . So , after a proper examination , I got the accurate axis measurement and prescribed suitable contact lens for her .

“ With the ACUVUE Vita contact lenses for astigmatism , her night vision improved . She is now a loyal customer of Anna Eyecare Optometry and ACUVUE Vita contact lens .”

On her partnership with ACUVUE , she said it had always supported her practice and service with its wide range of products and trial lenses .

“ With ACUVUE products , I ’ m able to provide the best eyecare services to my customers and prescribe lenses accordingly to their lifestyle and eye and vision power and condition .” – The Health