No, you cannot ignore cylindrical power (astigmatism).
Cylindrical power is a measurement used in eye prescriptions to correct a common refractive error called astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape, more like a football than a perfectly round basketball.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism causes light to focus on multiple points in front of or behind the retina, rather than on a single point directly on the retina. This leads to blurry or distorted vision at all distances. The "cylindrical power" part of your prescription specifies the strength of the lens needed to correct this irregularity.
Why You Should Not Ignore Cylindrical Power
Ignoring cylindrical power can lead to various issues that affect your vision and quality of life. As noted in the reference, the symptoms of cylindrical power, particularly blurred or distorted vision, are caused by this uneven light distribution on the retina and you should not ignore them.
Common Symptoms of Astigmatism
Symptoms can vary in severity but often include:
- Blurred or distorted vision (as highlighted in the reference)
- Eyestrain or discomfort
- Headaches, especially after reading or focusing
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Squinting to see better
Consequences of Ignoring Correction
Leaving astigmatism uncorrected, especially in children, can potentially contribute to conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye). In adults, uncorrected astigmatism primarily leads to ongoing discomfort and functional difficulties:
- Reduced Clarity: Daily tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer become more challenging.
- Increased Discomfort: Persistent eyestrain and headaches can impact overall well-being.
- Potential Worsening of Symptoms: While astigmatism itself may not necessarily worsen rapidly simply by being ignored (unless there's an underlying progressive condition like keratoconus), the symptoms and their impact on your life will likely continue or increase with increased visual demands.
Seeking Professional Help
Correcting cylindrical power is typically done with:
- Corrective Lenses: Eyeglasses with a cylindrical correction or toric contact lenses are standard solutions.
- Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism.
An eye care professional can accurately diagnose the level of astigmatism and recommend the most suitable correction method for your specific needs.
Ignoring symptoms like blurred or distorted vision is never recommended for any vision issue. Getting your eyes examined and following your eye doctor's advice is crucial for maintaining clear, comfortable vision.
