Myopia and astigmatism: what is the difference and how are they recognized

What is the difference between myopia and astigmatism? Let's find out together and see how to recognize each other and what is the cure.

Myopia and astigmatism are among the most common problems affecting the eyes in the world. To date, those who want to resolve this disorder permanently can safely ask for help from medicine and undergo laser surgery. If not, there are always prescription glasses or contact lenses . Let's see what is the difference between myopic and astigmatic and how they are distinguished.

Myopia and astigmatism: what's the difference?

Even if someone gets confused, myopia and astigmatism are not the same thing. The first is due to the elongation of the eyeball, while the second to an irregularity of the corneal curvature. The latter is flatter on one meridian and more curved on the other. From a practical point of view, the astigmatic person always sees blurry , while the nearsighted person has a blurry vision only from a distance.

In most cases, one is astigmatic from birth – only a few people become astigmatic in their lifetime – but not everyone has the same degree. Therefore, it may happen that some people need glasses and others don't. As for myopia, however, no one has been so since childhood, but it develops over time. However, there are tricks that can be used to try to improve eyesight.

When myopia and astigmatism appear together, however, it is a mild defect from birth, which worsens with age. In cases of this type, patients complain of reduced quality of distance vision, especially at night or when there is poor lighting. Generally, astigmatism and nearsightedness have a different view, but when the problem appears combined the symptoms add up.

Myopic and astigmatic eye: how is it treated?

Having seen the difference between myopia and astigmatism, it is worth making another clarification. The nearsighted person will have more difficulty seeing from afar, so much so that if the degree is high the patient will have to wear glasses for life, while the astigmatist will always have blurred vision, both from near and far.

When it comes to combined disease, the symptoms of one add up to those of the other but, depending on the severity, you may have better or worse vision. In any case, know that laser surgery solves both problems. Contact lenses can also be used if desired, but the correction is only momentary.