Astigmatism is a condition that is steeped in myths that are more than ridiculous, they can also keep people away from much needed treatments from an Elgin optometrist. The change in how an eye is curved actually happens to millions of Americans and the diagnosis doesn’t lead to as many life changes as people think. Learn about these common myths and why these incorrect details make it harder for optometrists to treat their patients.
Myth 1: Astigmatism Leads To Blindness
This is arguably one of the most common myths an optometrist will hear when they give the diagnosis of astigmatism. In truth, astigmatism is not known to cause any blindness in patients. While some might experience issues such as night blindness that affects driving, it is nowhere near as serious as expected. Night blindness is more of a term than it is a serious condition, it only means someone has more trouble seeing at night. For example, lights seem to gleam or twinkle instead of stay in their normal placement. Any reported cases of true blindness that occurred in people with astigmatism were in no way related to astigmatism itself. Instead, the condition was found in the patient but in no way influenced the problem. Myth 2: People With Astigmatisms Cannot Wear Glasses Or Contacts
This myth is wrong on both counts. First and foremost, anyone with astigmatism in one or both eyes can get a prescription for glasses as well as contacts. For those seeking glasses, the process is exactly the same as wh...