Astigmatism : Supportive Homeopathic Treatment

Astigmatism is a common vision problem that arises when the curve of the cornea or lens is not in the right way as it should be (normally it should be like a round ball shaped). In this condition the cornea or lens has an irregular curve. Due to this light that enters into the eyes doesn’t focus on the retina properly that causes blurred or distorted vision. Homeopathic remedies for astigmatism can be used with conventional mode of treatment for managing associated symptoms. 

Causes

It arises from an irregular curvature of the cornea or the lens. Cornea is the clear transparent outer layer of the eye that covers the front portion of the eye. In a normal eye the cornea and lens have a round curve like a ball. It bends the light equally to give a focused image on the retina. But in case of astigmatism the cornea or lens is egg shaped with two different curves. As a result the light rays entering the eyes focus on two points on the retina rather than one. It leads to blurred vision or double vision sometimes.

Why it occurs is not known yet. But genetics is thought to play a role in it. The sufferer usually has it since birth (children who are born preterm are at more risk than the ones born closer to due delivery date).

In many cases it may also develop afterwards later in life. Next it can follow an eye surgery (like ( cataract surgery) or an eye injury. It can also occur in combination with nearsightedness means myopia (a vision problem in which the light rays bend incorrectly and is focused  in front of the retina instead of on the retina. As a result the objects that are close look clear but objects farther away are blurry to the sufferer) or farsightedness  means hyperopia ( a vision problem in which light is  focused beyond the retina instead of on it and as a result the sufferer can see distant objects clearly but the near objects looks blurry).

Persons having corneal thinning, corneal scarring, having someone in family who has astigmatism or keratoconus (an eye disorder in which the cornea gradually gets thin and bulges outward into a cone shape), nearsightedness, farsightedness are at risk of astigmatism.

Types of Astigmatism 

It is of two types – corneal and lenticular. In case the corneal curve is not proper then it is called corneal astigmatism. When the lens has an irregular curve then it is known as lenticular astigmatism. It is also classified as myopic astigmatism, hyperopic astigmatism and mixed astigmatism. In myopic astigmatism the astigmatism is combined with near sightedness and two curves focused in front of the retina. In hyperopic type the astigmatism is combined with farsightedness and two curves focus behind the retina. In case of mixed astigmatism one curve focuses in front of the retina and the other behind the retina. 

Symptoms 

Its symptoms vary from person to person. In some persons the symptoms are not there. When the symptoms occur these include blurred or distorted fuzzy vision both for close and far distance, eye strain, discomfort in the eyes, squint, problem in the night vision, irritation in the eyes, double vision (diplopia) and headache. The blurred vision may be more horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Eye strain mostly occurs when a person does book reading or a computer work for an extended period of time.

Homeopathic Remedies for Astigmatism 

Homeopathic medicines offer a supportive help in managing symptoms of astigmatism. Use of these medicines is recommended in mild to moderate cases. These medicines can be taken along with conventional mode of treatment for managing symptoms like blurred vision, eye strain, discomfort in eyes, squint, headache. The medicines used in homeopathy for managing it are prepared from naturally occurring substances. Hence these are very safe and gentle to use without any sort of side effects. The homeopathic medicines for managing any case of astigmatism is selected individually for every case as per the symptoms. So it is best to take any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic doctor who can suggest best suitable medicine after a detailed case study. 

1. Gelsemium 

It is a top listed medicine for managing cases of astigmatism. It is prepared from the bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens having the common name yellow jasmine. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. It is useful when a person has dim or blurred vision. Mostly distant objects seem blurred. Along with this discomfort in eyes is felt. Next double vision may be present. It occurs mostly when looking sideways. Lastly squinting may be there.

2. Physostigma

It is a natural medicine prepared from the bean of plant Physostigma venenosum having the common name Calabar Bean. It belongs to family leguminosae. It is well indicated when vision is dim. The dimness is for distant objects that seem blurred and mixed. It can be followed by dull pain over and between the eyes. Vision may also be dim when reading.  It is also indicated for dim vision at night time. Sometimes double vision is also there.

3. Ruta

It is prepared from a plant named Ruta graveolens commonly known as garden rue. It belongs to the family rutaceae. This medicine is most helpful to manage cases having eye strain and headache. Pressure in the eyes is felt along with this. Next eyes have weary pain while reading. Other than this there occurs blurred vision attended with burning aching in the eyes. Blurring of vision mostly is felt from reading too much. Persons needing it feel dimness of vision with a sensation as if shadow is moving before the eyes.

4. Picric Acid

Use of this medicine is recommended to manage pain in the head in these cases. The pain is usually dull in nature for using it. The pain gets worse from eye movement and from reading. Binding the head tightly helps to relieve the pain. Other than this it is indicated when vision is dim and confused. Everything seems blurred to persons needing it. They feel that they are looking through a fog. 

5. Onsomodium 

This medicine is prepared from plant Onosmodium virginianum having the common name False Gromwell. It belongs to the family boraginaceae. It is an effective medicine to manage strain and aching in eyes felt from reading too much. Another indication for using it is headache. In cases requiring it the pain is most marked in the back of the head (occiput region). It feels sore and stiff. The pain may extend down the spine. It is the worst in morning time. Sometimes dizziness is present with this. 

6. Lilium Tigrinum

This medicine is prepared from fresh stalk, leaves and flowers of a plant having the common name tiger lily. It belongs to family liliaceae. This medicine is prominently indicated for cases of myopic astigmatism. Persons needing it have dim vision and can see clearly by turning the head sideways. It is accompanied with a headache in front of head. Along with blurred vision heat in the eyes is felt. A burning sensation in the eyes is felt usually after reading and writing.

7. Heloderma Suspectum

It is a next rare but important medicine to help cases of astigmatism. As per homeopathic literature this medicine is known to improve eyesight in these cases.