Astigmatism

The conventional Theory is that astigmatism is caused by an irregularity in the shape of the cornea (and/or lens) of the eye making the cornea more "football shaped" rather than round. This distorts the light entering the eye and creates a blurred image on the retina. Astigmatism is quite common and frequently occurs along with near-sightedness and farsightedness. It is usually in both eyes but may be found in one eye.

Like other visual conditions, astigmatism is not necessarily a fixed entity.keeping one's head held to the side for long periods of time (as in musicians) has shown changes in astigmatism due to chronic straining of some eye muscles and relaxing of others.

Signs & Symptoms
-Blurred, distorted vision at near, distance or both, depending on the amount of astigmatism -May involve symptoms of eye strain (such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, eye redness and twitching -Straight lines may appear crooked, lines may be clearer in one direction than another direction

Conventional Treatment
If the astigmatism interferes with vision or causes eye strain, glasses or contact lenses are given.

Complementary Approach
Diet: Vision Diet Eye exercises: [section5 eye exercises] Nutrients: Lutein, Bilberry, Multi-Green Formula

TCM Approach:
myopia or astigmatism can be caused by liver and/or kidney deficiency, liver blood deficiency and/or Heart Yin deficiency or combinations of these.

Heart Yin Deficiency
Herbal Treatment: Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heaven Special Pill to Tonify the Heart) Acupuncture Treatment: [GB-20, GB-1, BL-2, ST-1, BL-1, TW-23, ST-2, LI-4] + CV-14, CV-17, HT-7, SP-6, KI-6, BL-15, HT-3

Kidney/Liver Yin Deficiency
Herbal Treatment: Ming Mu Di Huang Tang (Brighten the Eyes Formula) Acupuncture Treatment: [GB-20, GB-1, BL-2, ST-1, BL-1, TW-23, ST-2, LI-4] + LR-3, LR-14, KI-3, BL-18, BL-23, SP-6

Liver Blood Deficiency
Herbal Treatment: Ming Mu Di Huang Tang (Brighten the Eyes Formula) Acupuncture Treatment: [GB-20, GB-1, BL-2, ST-1, BL-1, TW-23, ST-2, LI-4] + GV-20, SP-6, ST-36, LR-3, LR-8