According to www.ankarahaberler.com‘s report, untreated astigmatism — a condition that disrupts the eye’s ability to focus light onto a single point — may cause permanent vision loss if not addressed early. In a statement shared by the hospital, Ophthalmologist Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yıldırım warned of the dangers posed by astigmatism, especially if it remains undiagnosed or untreated during childhood.
What Exactly Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error that distorts vision by preventing light from focusing evenly on the retina. Prof. Dr. Yıldırım explains it as a condition that “leads to double vision, shifting images, and especially poor night vision.” He emphasizes that while some patients may experience only mild discomfort, others could suffer from severe visual impairment over time.
The issue is categorized into two types: regular and irregular astigmatism.
“In regular astigmatism cases, treatment can include eyeglasses, contact lenses, or modern laser-based procedures,” he noted.
‘Smile Pro’ Technique Gains Traction in Recent Years
Among the innovative treatments, one technique is drawing growing attention: ‘Smile Pro’, a form of lenticule extraction surgery. This advanced method enables doctors to treat astigmatism up to 5 diopters by removing a small tissue segment inside the cornea through a minor side incision — a less invasive and highly precise approach.
“Thanks to developments in this area, we’ve seen great success in treating astigmatism effectively and safely using Smile Pro,” said Yıldırım.
In addition to Smile Pro, other laser-based methods like PRK, surface ablation therapies, and traditional LASIK continue to be widely used. Still, each patient’s eye anatomy and visual needs must be carefully assessed before determining the appropriate solution.
Early Detection in Children Is Crucial
According to Yıldırım, early diagnosis of astigmatism in children can prevent long-term damage.
“Astigmatism can cause amblyopia, or lazy eye, in children. Without early intervention, this could lead to irreversible sight problems later in life.”
Glasses or contact lenses can significantly support healthy visual development in children if applied early. However, he warns that even in surgical treatment, factors such as age and individual corneal structure must be considered to ensure the best outcome.
“One-size-fits-all doesn’t apply here,” he added. “A detailed eye examination and personalized approach are essential.”
This highlights a growing consensus in the ophthalmology world: tailored treatments and timely interventions are the key to protecting vision, especially among younger patients.
More information about Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yıldırım’s evaluations can be accessed through the full article published on www.ankarahaberler.com.
Reporter’s Note (newstimesturkey.com)
As someone who’s been covering health news for years, I find it striking how many people ignore minor vision problems until it’s too late. Prof. Dr. Yıldırım’s remarks are a wake-up call — not just for parents, but for anyone experiencing vision changes. Technologies like Smile Pro show how far we’ve come in eye care, but nothing beats early detection and action. This is one story I’ll be keeping a close eye on — literally and figuratively.
Source: www.ankarahaberler.com
