Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
Blurred or Distorted Vision at All Distances
Cataracts
A cataract is the loss of transparency in the crystalline lens of the eye. This lens, located behind the pupil, is responsible for focusing light rays onto the retina to form images. When the lens becomes cloudy, it obstructs the passage of light, leading to progressive vision loss.
Symptoms of Cataracts:
- Blurred vision: Objects appear blurry or hazy.
- Flashes of light: Often noticed, especially at night.
- Poor night vision: Difficulty seeing in low light, making night driving challenging.
- Light sensitivity: Discomfort with bright lights.
- Frequent changes in prescription: The need for stronger glasses.
How to Act?
Cataracts cannot be prevented, but they can be detected during regular eye check-ups. It is essential for individuals, especially those over 45, to visit an ophthalmologist regularly for early detection. The ophthalmologist will assess the type, size, and location of the cataract and determine whether surgery is necessary. Cataract surgery is highly effective in restoring vision.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a refractive error where the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina. It causes blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances. Astigmatism may occur alone or in combination with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). It is usually stable throughout life.
Symptoms of Astigmatism:
- Distorted images: Objects may appear blurry or stretched.
- Difficulty switching between near and far vision: Struggling to focus on both nearby and distant objects.
- Difficulty seeing fine details: Problems with clarity in both near and distant vision.
- Headaches, eye pain, or dizziness: Caused by the effort to focus due to the irregular curvature of the cornea, especially in cases associated with hyperopia.
How to Act?
Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. For those who prefer not to wear glasses or lenses, surgical options are available:
- Excimer laser: Used for moderate astigmatism, applied to the corneal surface to reshape it.
- Arcuate keratotomy: A surgical technique for high astigmatism, involving incisions on the cornea.
- Toric intraocular lenses: These are either phakic (implanted between the cornea and the crystalline lens) or pseudophakic (replacing the crystalline lens), and are commonly used for high astigmatism.
Conclusion
Regular eye check-ups are crucial for detecting both cataracts and astigmatism early. While cataracts may require surgery to restore vision, astigmatism can often be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.