Cylindrical Power in Eyes - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Eyesight, also known as the window to the world, is a complex marvel of human anatomy. While most people are aware of common vision disorders like near-sightedness and farsightedness, cylindrical eyesight is a lesser known but no less significant issue. Cylindrical eyesight is a very common eye condition, where the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye becomes irregular. In this article, we will look into cylindrical eyesight's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment choices.

What is Cylindrical Power in Eyes?

Cylindrical eyesight is a refractive error that affects the eye's ability to focus light accurately. The vision may become distorted or blurred, making it difficult to read or see objects in distance. Experiencing cylindrical eyesight can lead to symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and fatigue.

This condition occurs when the cornea or lens inside your eye has different curves. Instead of a circular ball-shaped curve, the surface is egg-shaped, resulting in hazy vision at any distance. Cylindrical Eyesight or Astigmatism is typically present from birth and can sometimes be accompanied by farsightedness or near-sightedness.

Symptoms of Cylindrical Eyesight

The cylindrical power symptoms can range in severity and may include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Eye strain or discomfort
• Headaches
• Squinting
• Difficulty driving at night.

Cylindrical Eye Power Causes

The irregular shape of the cornea or lens of the eye is what causes astigmatism. This irregular shape is typically present at birth, although it can also develop later in life due to injury or disease. In addition to being hereditary, astigmatism can deteriorate with time due to keratoconus and other disorders.

Cylindrical Eye Power Diagnosis

To diagnose astigmatism, an optometrist or ophthalmologist must perform a thorough examination of the eyes. You can now book an in-clinic appointment with an ophthalmologist through reputable platforms like HealthSy. The examination usually includes:

Visual acuity testing: Measuring your ability to distinguish letters on a chart at different distances.

Refraction test: To find out how much refractive error is there and if corrective lenses are necessary.

Keratometry: The measurement of the cornea's curvature to detect abnormalities.

Corneal topography: Charting the cornea's surface to identify any anomalies.

Cylindrical Eyesight Treatment

There are various treatment options for cylindrical eyesight, such as corrective lenses and refractive surgery.

1. Corrective Lenses: Glasses or contact lenses can be prescribed to correct the refractive error caused by cylindrical eyesight. This lens design effectively corrects the irregular shape of the eye, leading to improved clarity of vision.

2. Refractive Surgery: Refractive surgery is an alternative treatment for individuals with cylindrical eyesight. The procedure focuses on reshaping either the cornea or lens of the eye to address the refractive error, promoting healthy eyes.

Who is at risk for Cylindrical Eyesight?

Cylindrical eyesight can occur in both adults and children. If you have any of the following, the risk of developing this condition may be higher:

• extreme near-sightedness, resulting in fuzzy distant vision.
• a family history of cylindrical vision or other eye conditions such as keratoconus, excessive farsightedness, resulting in impaired close-up vision, corneal thinning, or corneal scarring.
• a history of many eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery