What does “cylinder” mean on your glasses, and how does it affect vision?
Many people who wear glasses or contact lenses have heard the term “cylinder”, but may not fully understand what it means or how it affects their vision. The term “cylinder” refers to astigmatism — a refractive error of the eyes that causes blurred or distorted vision.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape.
Normally, the cornea and lens are perfectly round, but in the case of astigmatism, they are more oval-shaped.
This causes light rays to refract unevenly depending on their direction. As a result, light rays do not focus on a single point on the retina but form a blurred image, leading to unclear vision both at near and far distances.
What is a cylinder?
A cylinder is a component of your eyeglass prescription that corrects astigmatism. If your prescription includes a cylinder (CYL) value, it means that your lenses or glasses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
Symptoms of astigmatism
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Eye fatigue or strain
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing on fine print or computer screens
How is astigmatism treated?
Astigmatism is usually corrected with eyeglasses that include a cylinder in the prescription. However, with the KSA Flow3 laser procedure, it is also possible to get rid of blurred vision and enjoy clear sight again.
- Sharpness: The Flow3 laser procedure helps improve visual acuity at both near and far distances.
- Fatigue: The Flow procedure helps reduce eye strain and tiredness caused by astigmatism — especially during reading or computer work.
- Quality of vision: After Flow3, you will see objects more clearly and sharply, improving your overall visual quality and making daily activities easier.
At KSA Silmakeskus, we offer the Flow3 laser procedure, which corrects astigmatism by reshaping the cornea so that light rays refract properly onto the retina. This improves visual sharpness and reduces the blurriness or distortions caused by astigmatism. Laser correction for astigmatism is an effective and long-lasting solution, capable of significantly improving both visual acuity and quality of life. If you are considering the procedure, take the quick KSA test HERE to find out whether you are a suitable candidate.
Remember: if you experience any symptoms of astigmatism, it’s important to consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist to find the most suitable solution for your eyes.
