Abstract:

Astigmatism and other forms of uncorrected refractive error are major contributors to avoidable blindness. If we don't use the most effective remedy, it might affect our daily lives and performance at work. Few research have looked at how uncorrected astigmatism affects visual and functional performance. The effects of astigmatic power and axis on visual and functional task performance were investigated by comparing Hindi and English characters. Within three astigmatism ranges (up to -1.00 D Cyl, up to -2.00 D Cyl, and more than -2.00 D Cyl), the effects of ATR and WTR astigmatism on near and distant vision and reading speed were studied. Far vision was measured using a Snellen chart, while near vision and reading speed were estimated using several reading charts and a Hindi newspaper. In order to standardize the blur correction, the order in which subjects were tested was juggled, and they were required to watch a movie (at 40 cm) for 10 minutes. Participants were given a fiveminute break between each testing session so that they could regroup and get their bearings. As the astigmatic power of ATR astigmatism grew, both distant and near visual acuity deteriorated significantly (p> 0.05). Even moderate degrees of ATR astigmatism (as low as 0.50 DC) significantly impaired visual acuity. Similarly, when comparing uncorrected and optimally corrected far and near visual acuities, OBL astigmatism showed an overall stronger adverse effect than either WTR or ATR astigmatism. The consequences of astigmatism were more obvious while reading at lower font sizes.

Description:

Astigmatism, WHO, ATR, WTR, Performance