Be Patient! There is a lot to Learn!

By: Salina Shafi

Patient literacy plays a pivotal role in delivering effective and empathetic healthcare. In optometry, this literacy often extends beyond the physical examination to educating patients about their vision and prescriptions. A common example of patient misunderstanding in optometry is the confusion surrounding astigmatism. Many patients believe that astigmatism is a disease, but in reality, it is simply an optical characteristic of their eye prescription. This misconception highlights the importance of clear communication and patient education within clinical settings. Proper patient literacy is crucial in ensuring individuals receive accurate, reliable information about their health, rather than falling victim to misinformation commonly found online. When patients rely on unverified websites to research their symptoms, they risk misunderstanding their condition, misdiagnosing themselves, or developing unnecessary anxiety. In contrast, proper patient literacy involves learning from credible sources and healthcare professionals who provide tailored explanations and evidence based advice. Some credible sources include The American Optometric Association (AOA),Mayo Clinic, National Eye Institute (NEI), and Websites of trusted healthcare organizations. This not only fosters better decision-making but also empowers patients to ask informed questions and adhere to recommended treatments. By prioritizing patient literacy, we can combat the spread of misinformation and enhance the overall quality of patient experience and healthcare outcomes.

For the discipline of optometry specifically, astigmatism is not a disease or a condition to fear, it is an optical imperfection of the eye's shape. Normally, the cornea or lens of the eye should have a smooth, spherical shape, like a basketball. However, in eyes with astigmatism, the cornea or lens may have an irregular shape, more like a football. This irregular curvature causes light entering the eye to bend unevenly, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Astigmatism is a common aspect of many prescriptions and can occur in combination with myopia, nearsightedness, or hyperopia, farsightedness. Correcting it often requires toric lenses, which correct for an astigmatism, in eyeglasses, contact lenses, or it can be addressed through refractive surgeries like LASIK. LASIK  is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision problems such as astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. During the procedure, a specialized laser reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light is focused on the retina.

The misconception of astigmatism as a disease can stem from several factors:

1. Terms like "astigmatism" may sound clinical and alarming to patients unfamiliar with the nuances of optometry.

2. Many patients receive their diagnoses without thorough explanations of what they mean, leading to confusion and misinformation.

3. Social circles and online forums may propagate incorrect ideas about common vision conditions, such as labeling astigmatism as a “disease.”

   
   

To bridge this gap in understanding, optometrists and clinical staff need to prioritize patient literacy during appointments. Here are a few strategies that are already implemented in various clinical settings:

1. Use analogies and simple language to explain astigmatism. For instance, comparing the shape of the eye to a basketball versus a football can make the concept easier to grasp.

2. Charts, models, and digital simulations can help patients visualize what astigmatism is and how it affects their vision.

3. When patients mention "having a disease called astigmatism," take the opportunity to gently correct and educate them.

4. Handouts or online resources about common vision issues can reinforce what is discussed during the visit.

   
   

Empowering patients with accurate information leads to numerous benefits, including:

• Patients who understand their conditions are less likely to feel anxious or overwhelmed.

• When patients comprehend the importance of their prescriptions and treatments, they are more likely to follow through.

• Clear communication fosters trust and rapport, leading to better overall care experiences.

Educating patients about optometric terms like astigmatism is not just a part of providing care, it is a step toward enhancing health literacy and promoting a collaborative approach to vision health. Patient literacy is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of modern healthcare, as it directly impacts patient outcomes, adherence to treatments, and the ability to navigate complex medical information. In today’s digital age, where access to health information is at an all-time high, the need for accurate, professional guidance is more critical than ever. Misinformation can spread rapidly, leading patients to make misguided decisions based on incomplete or incorrect knowledge.

As healthcare evolves, so does the importance of patient literacy. The rise of telemedicine, digital health tools, and patient portals means individuals are engaging with their health in new and innovative ways. However, without proper literacy, these tools can be underutilized or misunderstood. By empowering patients to differentiate between credible sources and unreliable information, healthcare providers can foster a more informed patient population. Ultimately, investing in patient literacy not only improves individual care but also strengthens the healthcare system as a whole, ensuring that patients and providers work together toward better, more effective outcomes.