How to protect eyes with astigmatism

Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Some patients have congenital astigmatism, while most of the patients have acquired astigmatism. The occurrence of astigmatism is mostly due to improper sitting posture. It is caused by looking at objects from an inclined angle rather than directly from the eyes' proper axis. Especially lying down while reading or using smartphones can easily lead to an increase in astigmatism. If astigmatism is not corrected, it can easily worsen eye fatigue, thereby inducing a further increase in the degree of vision problems. In daily life, it is important to correct poor sitting postures and avoid situations such as lying down while reading or using smartphones. Engage more in outdoor activities, and limit reading sessions to no more than half an hour at a time. Consuming more vitamins A, D, C, E, and lutein in the diet can also help in preventing astigmatism.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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Can high myopia with astigmatism be treated with surgery?

High myopia combined with astigmatism can also be treated surgically, but it requires the patient to be at least 18 years old, and both the myopia and astigmatism must have been stable for over a year without worsening. Before undergoing surgical treatment, a detailed eye examination is necessary. This includes an optometric examination to accurately measure the degree of myopia and astigmatism, a corneal topography test, and an ophthalmic ultrasound to understand the corneal curvature and thickness. Based on these parameters, a specific surgical plan is designed. If the patient’s corneal condition allows, laser surgery is the preferred method for correction. If the patient’s corneal condition is poor and not suitable for laser surgery, correction and treatment can be achieved through the implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens in phakic eyes.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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What will happen if children's astigmatism is not treated?

If children with astigmatism do not receive treatment, the specific consequences will depend on the severity of the astigmatism. If a child has only mild astigmatism and does not exhibit any other clinical symptoms, treatment might not be necessary, and it will not impact the child's vision. However, if the astigmatism is severe, it is necessary to wear corrective lenses for astigmatism; otherwise, it may lead to a decrease in both far and near vision. This is especially true for compound and mixed astigmatism, which can cause a significant decline in a child's vision, and often results in visual fatigue. Children may exhibit symptoms such as eye pain, orbital pain, monocular diplopia, or tearing. Additionally, there may also be occurrences of compensatory head tilting and torticollis.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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What foods should be eaten for astigmatism?

For astigmatism, it is important in daily life to consume a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and carotenes, such as meat, eggs, dairy, various fresh fruits and vegetables, and carrots. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods. If astigmatism occurs, it is important to visit a hospital for an optometric examination promptly. If there is significant astigmatism, it should be corrected with glasses based on a medical optometric examination, as uncorrected astigmatism can lead to severe eye strain over time.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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How can children with minor astigmatism recover?

Mild astigmatism in children refers to astigmatism below 150 degrees, which can impact vision. Currently, once the degree of astigmatism is established, there are no effective non-surgical treatments available to reduce it. Since children cannot immediately undergo surgery to correct astigmatism, the alternative is to wear frame glasses or rigid corneal contact lenses to correct their vision and enhance their eyesight. In subsequent life, it's important to develop good eye habits, avoid squinting when looking at things, not use the eyes at close range for extended periods, and try to prevent the degree of astigmatism from increasing. After reaching adulthood, astigmatism can be corrected through laser surgery.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can pseudomyopia cause astigmatism?

Pseudomyopia generally does not involve astigmatism. Pseudomyopia is caused by ciliary muscle spasm, while astigmatism is due to changes in the curvature of the cornea, or changes in the eyeball itself; these two are not the same. Pseudomyopia can be completely cured with proactive treatment, adequate rest, reducing close-up activities, avoiding eye fatigue, and using eye drops that alleviate ciliary muscle paralysis, such as low-concentration atropine eye drops and digoxin eye drops. If not treated actively, prolonged pseudomyopia can turn into true myopia. True myopia involves elongation of the eye axis, leading to blurred distance vision but clear near vision. Therefore, when this occurs, a proper dilated refraction test should be conducted. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)