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What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes blurred or distorted vision because the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) has an irregular shape. The eye does not focus light uniformly onto one point on the retina but instead onto a variable point, leading to blurred vision.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment matters because it helps provide clear, comfortable vision and can reduce problems such as eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing at night. In children, early detection matters because significant, untreated astigmatism can interfere with normal visual development and may contribute to amblyopia (lazy eye). Regular eye examinations can help identify astigmatism early and determine the most suitable vision correction.

What are the common symptoms of astigmatism?

  • Fatique
  • Headaches
  • Squinting eyes to see clearly
  • Fatique
  • Visual discomfort
  • Difficulty in focusing objects
  • Eye strain or tired eyes.

Causes and Risk Factors of Astigmatism

Causes

  • Uneven corneal shape
  • Irregular lens shape:
  • Astigmatism from birth
  • Eye Injury
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Corneal conditions like keratoconus and lenticonus

Risk Factors

  • Family history of astigmatism.
  • Childhood astigmatism
  • Previous eye trauma
  • Complications after eye surgery
  • Worsening refractive errors

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Astigmatism in India

Advances in astigmatism treatment currently focus on making it more accurate and customised. Newer technologies, like topography-guided LASIK, ray-tracing-guided LASIK, and newer SMILE Pro platforms, are being investigated to better correct astigmatism. Meanwhile, AI has been developed for patient screening, personalised treatment planning, and predicting surgery outcomes. Scientists are also working on eye-rotation tracking and advanced corneal imaging to improve alignment and treatment accuracy.

Treatment options for Astigmatism

Refractive surgery: Astigmatism can be treated with refractive surgery based on type and severity. Some of the surgical techniques are

LASIK (Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis): In this procedure, an eye surgeon makes a thin, hinged flap in the cornea, uses an excimer laser to sculpt the cornea's shape, and then repositions the flap.

LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy): The surgeon loosens the corneal surface (epithelium), which is a thin cover on the cornea. Utilizes an excimer laser to alter the curvature of the cornea and then repositions the loosened epithelium over the cornea.

PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy): This procedure is similar to LASEK, except the surgeon removes the epithelium. It regenerates to form the new shape of the cornea. You may need a bandaged contact lens for a few days after surgery.

Epi-LASIK: This is an adapted version of LASEK. The surgeon uses a special mechanised blunt blade to separate a very thin sheet of epithelium. Then, the surgeon reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser and replaces the epithelium.

SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction): This newer type of refractive surgery reshapes the cornea by using a laser to make a lens-shaped bit of tissue (lenticule) below the cornea's surface. The lenticule is then extracted via a very small cut. For now, SMILE is approved only for treating mild nearsightedness.

  • Clinical assessment:
    • Visual clarity test: Determines the extent of vision.
    • Refraction test: Determines the amount and axis of astigmatism.
    • Slit-lamp examination: Examines the cornea, lens, and other structures at the front of the eye for abnormalities or scarring
  • Imaging tests:
    • Corneal topography: Provides a detailed map of the front of the cornea and demonstrates changes in the curvature of the front of the cornea.
    • Corneal tomography: Provides three-dimensional data on the front and back surfaces of the corneal thickness.
    • Anterior segment OCT: Creates cross-sectional images of the cornea and other front-of-the-eye structures.
    • Pachymetry: Measurement of the thickness of the cornea, and may be significant in determining eligibility for laser vision correction.

There is no specific medication for astigmatism; treatment mainly focuses on correcting vision. If astigmatism results from another underlying eye disease, that disease may need specific medical treatment. Dryness or discomfort of the eyes may be experienced with blurring, which may be relieved with artificial tears but will not correct astigmatism.

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Hospitals for Astigmatism in India

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

Delhi, India

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is known for delivering treatment to over 200,000 patients every year; 10,000 of which are generally medical tourists. The efficient team of doctors has the record of 99.6 percent success rate. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital deals in treatment of over 50 specialities.  

Let’s see some of the features of the infrastructure:

  • Spread over 15 acres, the hospital has 710 beds.
  • 6 beds dedicated to bone marrow transplant units with very strict infection control practices.
  • 64-Slice Scan coupled with data acquisition which provides highest temporal resolution
  • One of the hospitals to be using Da Vinci Robotics Surgery System
  • In South Asia, the Spect-CT and Pet-CT got their first installation at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in India
  • Technologies such as PET- MR, BrainLab Navigation System, PET-CT, Portable CT Scanner, Tilting MRI, NovalisTx, Cobalt based HDR Brachytherapy, Hyperbaric Chamber, DSA Lab, Fibroscan, 3 Tesla MRI, Endosonography, 128 Slice CT scanner are all installed at the hospital.
  • The Cancer Institute at Indraprastha Apollo is equipped with a highly advanced Radiation Oncology Center with ClinaciX, NovalisTx, and HDR-Brachytherapy.
  • It is equipped with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia, & has one of the largest Dialysis Units in India.
  • A large number of ICU beds than any other Private Hospitals in India.
  • WIFI is accessible across the whole campus.
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nM Virani Wockhardt: Top Doctors, and Reviews
nM Virani Wockhardt

Rajkot, India

A leading multispecialty hospital in Rajkot, Wockhardt Hospital is committed to providing top-notch medical care and modern treatments. With a 95% satisfaction rating, Wockhardt has successfully treated 200,000 emergency cases and more than 1.4 million OPD patients. The hospital's dedication to providing high-quality care and safety is demonstrated by its NABH and NABL accreditation. Wockhardt guarantees easily accessible, high-quality healthcare by providing a surgery 0% interest-free EMI option and a fully furnished 'ICU on Wheels' that is open 24/7. Wockhardt Hospital is a reliable option for patients looking for advanced medical care in Rajkot and beyond because of its staff of skilled specialists and outstanding reputation for excellence.

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Fortis Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Fortis Hospital

Noida, India

Fortis Healthcare Limited is one of India’s prominent providers of integrated healthcare services, offering comprehensive medical care across multiple specialities. The company’s operations span hospitals, diagnostic centres, and day-care speciality facilities, ensuring a wide range of healthcare solutions under one umbrella. Fortis has established a strong presence across the country, managing 33 healthcare facilities, which include joint ventures and operational & management (O&M) setups, across 11 states.

The company’s hospital network comprises more than 5,700 operational beds, including O&M beds, catering to patients with varied healthcare needs. In addition to inpatient services, Fortis operates around 400 diagnostic laboratories, providing reliable and timely diagnostic support for accurate medical care. This extensive network enables Fortis to deliver high-quality healthcare services consistently and efficiently, from routine diagnostics to specialised treatments and complex procedures.

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Why Choose India for Astigmatism Treatment?

  • Specialised hospitals: India has many eye hospitals and ophthalmologists who specialise in diagnosing refractive errors like astigmatism and treating them accordingly.
  • Cutting-edge technology: Many of these centres offer cutting-edge technologies like corneal topography, corneal tomography, wavefront analysis, femtosecond lasers, LASIK, PRK, or SMILE for the right patient.
  • Affordable treatment: treatment charges for international patients can also be relatively economical, as they vary by procedure, hospital, and individual eye condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually, vision becomes clearer as soon as you use the correction you were prescribed, whether with glasses or contact lenses. Recovery after refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK depends on the procedure performed. Typically, visual acuity recovers quickly after LASIK surgery and may take several days to weeks until vision becomes stable after PRK. Your ophthalmologist will give you detailed instructions according to the procedure performed.

Yes. Astigmatism usually doesn’t stop you from walking or doing normal daily activities. However, blurred or distorted vision can make judging distances more difficult, especially if the astigmatism is severe or uncorrected. Wearing the prescribed glasses or contact lenses can improve vision and make activities such as walking, reading, and driving safer.

Yes. Several specialised eye hospitals in India treat astigmatism using modern diagnostic and treatment technology. Depending on the patient's condition, evaluation may include corneal topography or tomography, automated refraction, and detailed eye examinations. Adequately equipped centres may also offer refractive procedures like LASIK, PRK, and other corneal procedures.

Yes. Major hospitals and specialised eye centres in India offer services to international patients. These may include help coordinating appointments, reviewing medical records, developing treatment regimens, addressing language needs, arranging travel or accommodation, and managing follow-up. Patients must check the hospital’s specific international patient services before travelling.

When choosing a hospital, consider the ophthalmologist's experience with refractive and corneal conditions, the diagnostic equipment available at the centre, and whether the recommended treatment is right for your eyes. You can also ask about the doctor’s experience with your particular procedure, possible risks, expected recovery, and aftercare. Some also offer language support and help with follow-up care. You can also get support by speaking with mediGence medical tourism facilitator to select the best doctor and facility.

The success rate of astigmatism treatment in India is not a single figure. Results depend on the type and severity of astigmatism and the treatment used. Glasses and properly prescribed contact lenses can correct refractive blur well. Refractive surgery outcomes can vary based on factors like corneal thickness and shape, prescription, age, eye health, and the surgical method used. Your ophthalmologist can tell you what to expect for your individual case.

Ophthalmologists in India frequently diagnose and treat refractive errors like astigmatism. Doctors and hospitals have different experience, so patients should ask the ophthalmologist about their training, qualifications, experience with the procedure in question, and the types of eye conditions they typically treat.

The risks vary by treatment. Glasses generally carry very few medical risks, though an incorrect prescription may cause ongoing blurred vision or discomfort. Contact lenses can cause dryness or irritation and, if you don’t use and care for them properly, eye infections. Refractive surgery may cause temporary dry eyes, glare, halos, fluctuating vision, under- or over-correction, and other complications. In rare cases, more serious corneal complications can occur. Your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits before treatment.

Astigmatism usually isn’t caused by an injury, but an injury to the eye or cornea can sometimes cause or worsen irregular astigmatism. If you injure your eye, don’t rub or press it. Get medical care promptly, especially if you have severe pain, sudden vision changes, bleeding, sensitivity to light, or something in your eye. Don’t try to remove an object that is stuck in the eye yourself.

Astigmatism usually does not cause physical changes to the eye. Glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery can often correct it. In children, untreated astigmatism can affect vision development and may lead to lazy eye. Early eye exams are especially important for children.

Yes, especially if it is severe or not corrected properly. Astigmatism can cause blurry or distorted vision, headaches, eye strain, and trouble seeing clearly at different distances. These symptoms can make reading, studying, using screens, driving, playing sports, and other daily activities harder. The right vision correction can help you see much better.

Mild astigmatism may cause few or no symptoms. More severe astigmatism that isn’t corrected can lead to ongoing blurred vision and eye discomfort. In children, it may affect vision development and raise the risk of amblyopia (lazy eye). In adults, uncorrected astigmatism usually does not harm the eye, but ongoing symptoms can make daily activities harder.

Astigmatism cannot always be prevented. It may be caused by the natural shape of the cornea or lens and can run in families. Protect your eyes by wearing suitable eye protection during sports or hazardous work, avoiding eye injuries, using contact lenses correctly, and getting regular eye exams. If your vision becomes blurry or gets worse, have your eyes examined.

Yes. Anyone can have astigmatism, but it may be more common in people with a family history of it or certain cornea conditions. It can be present from childhood and may change over time. Some types are linked to conditions that change the shape or structure of the cornea.