Anthony Lee - Nov 29, 2022

Astigmatism vs Stigmatism - Any Differences?

When it comes to vision, there are many terms used to describe various conditions. Two of the most commonly confused terms are astigmatism and stigmatism. While they may sound similar, there’s actually a world of difference between them - but what is that difference? In this article, we’ll be examining the differences between astigmatism and stigmatism and exploring how understanding these conditions can help us better care for our eyesight.

Definition of Astigmatism and Stigmatism

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an eye condition that affects the shape of your cornea. It is a common refractive error which occurs when the cornea has an irregular curvature. This condition can be mild or severe and is diagnosed with an eye exam. Many people are not aware they have astigmatism as it can go undetected for years, or even throughout their life.

Stigmatism

Eye stigmatism is an eye condition that affects a person's vision and can cause significant impact on their lifestyle. It occurs when the shape of the cornea, lens or the entire eyeball becomes distorted, resulting in blurry vision or even blindness. People suffering from this condition may also experience discomfort while performing activities like driving or watching television. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent visual impairments and even blindness in some cases.

Causes & Symptoms: Astigmatism and Stigmatism

Astigmatism: Causes & Symptoms

As with many eye conditions, astigmatism is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea - the outermost layer of your eyes. In addition to this, genetics can play a role in causing astigmatism as well.

The most common symptom associated with astigmatism is blurry vision, which occurs when light does not focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. This can affect both near and distant objects and cause difficulty seeing objects clearly in either direction. Other symptoms include headaches, eyestrain and dizziness due to trying to focus on objects that appear distorted or foggy. Astigmatism may also cause squinting in order to make out details more easily.

Stigmatism: Causes & Symptoms

Stigmatism occurs when the eye's cornea or lens, which should be round like a ball, instead has an irregular curvature that prevents light from entering the eye correctly. The most common cause of stigmatism is hereditary, though it can also be caused by certain diseases or trauma to the eye.

The primary symptom associated with stigmatism is blurred vision, as well as difficulty focusing on near and far away objects. Other symptoms can include headaches, double vision in one or both eyes, dizziness, squinting and fatigue when doing activities that involve close work such as reading or sewing. Those who suffer from mild cases may not even notice any symptoms at all but still require corrective lenses for optimal vision quality.

Diagnosis & Treatment: Astigmatism and Stigmatism

Astigmatism and Stigmatism are two common types of vision impairments that affect a large number of people across the globe. Although both conditions can cause significant visual disturbances, the diagnosis and treatments vary greatly between the two.

The diagnosis of astigmatism is usually done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist through a series of tests that measure how your eyes focus light. Typically, this involves dilating your eyes and using special lenses to assess how you see light directly in front of you as well as at certain angles. Treatment for astigmatism often includes corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses, which can help correct vision problems caused by astigmatism.

The diagnosis and treatment for stigmatism involves an optometrist or ophthalmologist performing a comprehensive eye exam to determine if it is indeed present. This examination will take into account any existing medical conditions and history of any previous procedures or treatments related to the eyes. Once diagnosed, patients may be prescribed glasses or contact lenses with specific corrective powers in order to correct their vision problems associated with stigmatism.

Prevention & Management: Astigmatism and Stigmatism

Preventing astigmatism and stigmatism starts with getting regular comprehensive eye exams. During these exams, your optometrist will be able to detect any abnormalities in your eyes that could lead to either condition. This allows optometrists to determine if you’re in risk of developing either condition as well as how best to treat them. Early detection is key when it comes to preventing astigmatism and stigmatism since they can often worsen over time without proper treatment. Additionally, protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses when outdoors can help reduce your risk for both vision problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion,astigmatism and stigmatism are both conditions affecting vision and have some similarities, such as blurred vision. However, astigmatism is caused by an irregular shape of the eye’s surface while stigmatism is caused by an irregular shape in the eye’s lens. Treatment for astigmatism includes eyeglasses, contact lenses, and laser surgery. The most effective treatment for stigmatism is corrective lenses or contact lenses.

Anthony Lee

freelance writer

Written by: Anthony Lee
Anthony Lee is a freelance writer who works as a sales clerk in an eyewear boutique, and her seven years of experience allows her to select the right eyewear for her customers at a glance. Knowing the whole process of eyewear production, she also has a unique perspective on eyewear fashion. She is passionate about fashion accessories and life. She likes to match a variety of eyewear with various styles of clothing.