Our Summary

This research paper looks at the history of our understanding and treatment of astigmatism, a common eye condition that causes blurry vision. It focuses on the major discoveries made up to the year 1900. Astigmatism was first described by Thomas Young in the 19th century, and the methods used to treat it today were also developed during this period. In 1825, George Airy wrote the first article about using a cylindrical lens to correct astigmatism. The term “astigmatism” was coined in 1846 by William Whewell. After these initial discoveries, methods were developed to diagnose and evaluate astigmatism, such as the use of a cross cylinder, keratoscope, astigmatic dial, along with the development of retinoscopy and ophthalmoscopy. During the late 19th century, the first attempts to treat astigmatism by changing the shape of the cornea were made. This research was challenging, and required detailed understanding of the eye’s optical properties, precise measurement of refractive error, and technical skills to manufacture lenses. The paper highlights the crucial role of interdisciplinary cooperation between various fields such as physics, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine in understanding and treating astigmatism.

FAQs

  1. Who first described the eye condition known as astigmatism?
  2. What methods were developed in the 19th century to diagnose and evaluate astigmatism?
  3. How were attempts made to treat astigmatism by changing the shape of the cornea?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to carefully follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, including medications to avoid, dietary restrictions, and when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. It is important to maintain good eye hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing the eyes to prevent infection. After surgery, it is crucial to follow all post-operative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, wearing any protective eyewear as advised, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is also important to avoid strenuous activities that could put pressure on the eyes during the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with severe astigmatism that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, patients with corneal irregularities or scarring causing astigmatism, and patients with other refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness who also have astigmatism. Additionally, patients with cataracts or other eye conditions that cannot be corrected with traditional treatments may also be recommended for ocular surgery. It is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery:

  1. Patient experiences blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing objects at certain distances.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine the extent of the astigmatism and whether surgery is necessary.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with an ophthalmologist, including the risks and benefits of ocular surgery.
  4. Pre-operative tests are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery, including measuring the shape of the cornea and the degree of astigmatism.

After ocular surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve reshaping the cornea using a laser (LASIK) or implanting a toric intraocular lens to correct the astigmatism.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort and blurry vision immediately after surgery, which typically improves within a few days.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.
  4. Patient gradually experiences improved vision as the eye heals, with optimal results typically achieved within a few weeks to months after surgery.
  5. Patient may still require glasses or contact lenses for certain activities, but overall experiences reduced dependence on corrective lenses and improved quality of vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with ocular surgery for astigmatism?
  2. What is the success rate of the specific surgical procedure being recommended for my astigmatism?
  3. What is the recovery process like after ocular surgery for astigmatism?
  4. How long will it take for my vision to fully stabilize after the surgery?
  5. What are the alternative treatment options available for my astigmatism, and how do they compare to surgical intervention?
  6. Will I still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after the surgery, and if so, will my prescription change?
  7. How many times have you performed this specific type of surgery for astigmatism, and what is your success rate?
  8. What is the expected outcome in terms of improved vision after the surgery?
  9. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery to optimize the results?

Reference

Authors: Grzybowski A, Kanclerz P. Journal: Eye Contact Lens. 2018 Sep;44 Suppl 1:S22-S29. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000449. PMID: 29140824