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Astigmatism

Overview
Causes
Where to Seek Treatment
Singapore National Eye Centre
Contributed by Refractive Surgery (SingLASIK Centre)

ASTIGMATISM

When objects appear distorted and blurry, you could be having a vision problem known as Astigmatism.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a condition where the cornea has an abnormal curvature, causing a distortion in vision. A normal cornea is shaped like a sphere but in astigmatism the cornea is oval-shaped, causing problems in focusing the light entering the eye. Astigmatism is a very common condition and often occurs together with myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness).

This is an interactive illustration demonstrating how a person's view of the Singapore scenery may be with an increase in the degree of astigmatism.  Please use the mouse, click on the blue arrow and slide it to the right. 

What causes Astigmatism?

The cause of astigmatism is often not known. Astigmatism is usually present from birth.  A small degree of astigmatism is considered normal and usually does not require any correction. 

Rarely astigmatism may be caused by chronic vigorous eye rubbing (such as in children with allergic conjunctivitis) or by cornea diseases such as keratoconus. 

How do I correct my Astigmatism?

Astigmatism can be corrected with corrective lenses such as in spectacles or contact lenses. These vision aids help to focus the light entering the eye onto the retina. Other ways to correct astigmatism include refractive surgery options such as LASIK and implantable contact lenses.

Please visit the following relevant links :-

SingLASIK Centre
Outcome Results on LASIK Procedure
SingLASIK Centre Clinical Staff
I Want an Eye Examination / an Appointment
How the Eye Works
Feedback

Read more about other eye conditions and treatments

Myopia (Short-sightedness)
Hyperopia (Long-sightedness)



How LASIK Works



LASIK is a procedure in which the cornea – the transparent front part of the eye that lets in light – is sculpted to improve vision.

The eye works like a camera : the cornea acts as a lens, allowing light (and images) into the eyeball and onto the retina – which acts like a film – at the back of the eyeball. The shape of our corneas determines how ‘focused’ this image is. An out-of shape cornea transmits an unfocused image on the retina and the brain perceives this image to be fuzzy.

LASIK helps to perfect the shape of the cornea so that images can be sharply focused. The procedure can be used to correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. LASIK involves two steps, the surface of the cornea is first cut to create a flap to access the middle section of the cornea. Then an excimer laser is used to shape the cornea to achieve perfect vision. Previously, only microkeratomes involving the use of a mechanical high-speed oscillating blade were available to make the flap. Now, ‘bladeless LASIK’, in which the flap is made with another type of laser (the femtosecond laser), is available.

The surgery takes about 15 minutes and does not require any general anaesthesia, just topical anaesthetic eyedrops. Patients usually see an improvement in vision immediately after the procedure and usually have close to- normal vision by the next day. Normal activities can be resumed in just one or two days.


Where to Seek Treatment

The medical institutions within SingHealth that offer consultation and treatment for this condition include:

1. Singapore National Eye Centre
Refractive Surgery (SingLASIK Centre)
11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore 168751

Appointments Hotline:
Tel : +65 6227 7266

International Enquiries, please contact:
Tel : +65 6100 9393
Email : ips@snec.com.sg
2. KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Children's - KK Eye Centre
100 Bukit Timah Road Singapore 229899

Appointments Hotline:
Tel : +65 6294 4050

International Enquiries, please contact:
Tel : +65 6394 8888
Email : international@kkh.com.sg


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