Cylindrical eye has the medical term astigmatisme. The term refers to an eye condition that experiences blurred vision and ghosting due to the shape of the eye cornea or eye lens not perfectly convex.
The most common signs and symptoms experienced by people with cylinder eyes are blurred or ghosted vision. Patients often squint when they see far or near. In addition, sufferers usually complain of difficulty reading small writing. Other symptoms that are often complained of are headaches, eye strain, and tiredness after reading or using a computer. In mild astigmatism, visual disturbances may not be significant.
Unfortunately, if children suffer from astigmatism, they will most likely not notice it. This may happen because children's knowledge of an object is not perfect. In children, cylinder eye symptoms can be difficult for them to focus on the writing in the books they read. They may also experience headaches, fatigue, and eye strain.
Causes of Cylindrical Eyes
The eye has several key components in order to see well. One of them is the eye's optical system which consists of the cornea and lens. The two work together to make the incoming light focus to form a perfect image on the retina.
In patients with cylindrical eyes, the cornea of the eye has an imperfection in shape. The cornea should have a perfectly convex shape, resembling the curve of a ball. In cylindrical eyes, the convexity of the eyeball resembles a rugby ball. Convex imperfections in the lens can also cause eye cylinder.
When the convex is formed imperfectly or unevenly, then there is a cylindrical eye. This is because light entering the cornea cannot focus on a single point on the retina, causing blurred vision.
In addition to deformities that are usually acquired from birth, the following conditions can cause cylinder eyes:
- An infection that causes scarring of the cornea.
- Perform eye surgery that causes changes in the cornea.
- Swelling, thinning, or changes in the cornea occur.
- A condition that affects the eyelids, causing the cornea to become irritated.
Treatments You Can Do
The following methods can be used in order to improve vision that is impaired due to cylinder eyes.
- Wearing glasses
Glasses for this condition use specially designed lenses. Glasses are the easiest way to correct blurred or ghosted vision caused by cylinder eyes.
- Using contact lenses
The principle of contact lenses is actually the same as glasses. The right choice between glasses or contact lenses really depends on the taste of the sufferer. In order not to make the wrong choice, be sure to consult an ophthalmologist.
- LASIK surgery
Through the LASIK procedure, the shape of the cornea is changed with a laser. Initially the surface layer of the cornea is exposed (flap) using a special tool called a keratom. The laser is then used to change the shape of the corneal layer beneath the previously opened layer. The flap is then closed again.
- LASEK surgery
This procedure is almost the same as LASIK, but the flap is made thinner, only as thick as the epithelial layer.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Through this PRK procedure, the epithelial layer is removed without creating a flap. After LASIK and LASEK surgery were discovered, this procedure was rarely used.
If you experience cylinder eye and want to fix it, consult a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment for your condition.