Blurry vision, frequent eye strain, or trouble focusing? You might be dealing with more than just tired eyes. One of the most common—but often misunderstood—vision issues is astigmatism. Many people live with it unknowingly, assuming it’s just poor eyesight. But with the right knowledge and treatment, astigmatism is easily manageable. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options to help you see clearly and comfortably every day.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common, although frequently misdiagnosed, visual impairment that results in distorted or blurry vision at all distances. It happens when the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly spherical, but rather shaped like a rugby ball. Images become blurry as a result of light's inability to focus evenly on the retina due to its uneven curvature.
Even though astigmatism is common, many people are unaware of it until they receive a thorough eye test.
What does astigmatism do to your vision?
The cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye, or occasionally the internal lens of the eye might have an uneven curvature that results in astigmatism. The cornea and lens should ideally have a basketball-like curvature. One or both surfaces of an astigmatic eye have a football-like shape, with one surface curving more than the other.
Two primary forms of astigmatism exist:
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Corneal astigmatism which occurs when the cornea is irregularly formed.
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Lenticular astigmatism which results from an uneven curve of the eye's internal lens.
Types of Astigmatism
The way light focuses in your eye is another way to categorize astigmatism:
● Myopic Astigmatism: Nearsightedness in one or both of the major meridians.
● Hyperopic Astigmatism: Farsightedness in one or both meridians.
● A person with mixed astigmatism has one nearsighted and one farsighted meridian.
Each variety can be classified as irregular (meridians not perpendicular, typically as a result of keratoconus or impairment) or regular (meridians perpendicular).
Is astigmatism hereditary?
Indeed, astigmatism is often passed down in families. You are more likely to have it if one or both of your parents do.
But it can also be the consequence of:
● Surgery or eye damage
● A disorder called keratoconus which makes the cornea thin and protrude outward.
● Constant eye rubbing can change the cornea's shape.
● Over time, aging may cause changes in the structure and form of the eye.
The symptoms of astigmatism
Initially, many persons with mild astigmatism don't experience any symptoms. Nevertheless, when it intensifies, you may encounter:
❖ Vision distortion or blurring at all distances
❖ discomfort or eye strain
❖ Headaches
❖ Squinting for clear vision
❖ Visual impairment at night
❖ Holding books or displays at certain angles in order to concentrate
Make an appointment for a thorough eye examination if you observe any of these symptoms.
How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
An optometrist uses a standard eye exam to determine astigmatism. A comprehensive eye checkup at Optica consists of:
● A visual acuity test that measures your ability to see letters on a chart.
● Keratometry that measures the curvature of your cornea.
● The refraction test that determines the proper lens power required to correct your eyesight.
● Corneal topography (in sophisticated clinics) that creates a 3D map of your cornea's shape.
These exams are rapid and painless, and they are often completed in less than 30 minutes.
What Are the Treatments for Astigmatism?
Fortunately, astigmatism is easily treatable. Options for treatment include:
1. Eyeglasses with prescriptions
the most widely used technique for correction. Special cylindrical lenses are used in astigmatic glasses to correct for uneven curvature and enable proper light focus.
2. Contact lenses
Specially made toric contact lenses are used to treat astigmatism. They offer sharp vision and are more stable than conventional lenses. Depending on your prescription and eye shape, there are both soft and rigid gas-permeable options.
3. Ortho-K, or orthokeratology
To temporarily restructure the cornea, these stiff contact lenses are worn overnight. Ideal for those who would rather not wear lenses during the day and have mild to moderate astigmatism.
4. Refractive Surgery
The cornea can be permanently reshaped with procedures like PRK or LASIK. Not everyone is a candidate; a doctor must assess your corneal thickness and eye health.
What You Should Know About Living With Astigmatism
Like short sightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism is merely a refractive mistake and not a disease. The majority of people can see clearly and comfortably with the correct lenses or surgery.
Advice for dealing with astigmatism:
● Schedule routine eye tests, especially if you observe changes in your eyesight.
● When reading or using displays, be sure the illumination is appropriate.
● To lessen digital eye strain, take breaks from screens.
● Make sure your prescription for eyeglasses is current.
● Don't rub your eyes too much.
Can Astigmatism get worse?
Yes, in certain instances. While many people have stable prescriptions for years, others may have progressive changes due to:
● Natural eye growth during childhood.
● Eye strain or extended screen use
● underlying diseases such as keratoconus.
That is why regular eye exams are necessary, even if your vision appears to be fine.
Astigmatism in children
Children can also have astigmatism, which can impair learning and development if not treated. Signs to look for are:
● Squinting
● Complaining about headaches
● Sit too close to screens or books.
● Having trouble seeing the board in school.
Routine pediatric eye checkups can uncover issues early and help students focus better in school.
Myths about astigmatism
There are some popular misconceptions:
● "Astigmatism means something is wrong with your eyes."
False. It simply means that your eyes are structured differently; it is not a sickness.
● "You can't wear contact lenses with astigmatism."
Also false. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed for this purpose.
● "Astigmatism can go away on its own."
No, it does not disappear, but it is readily handled with proper treatment.
Also Read: Eye Health - Myths and Facts
Conclusion
Astigmatism is extremely common, easily managed, and nothing to be concerned about. Whether you need glasses, contacts, or simply an updated prescription, regular eye exams and an understanding of your options are essential.
👁️🗨️ Are you wondering if astigmatism is impacting your vision? Schedule an eye exam today to begin your journey to better vision.
FAQ
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Can you fix astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that causes blurred or distorted vision, but it’s highly treatable. From eyeglasses and contact lenses to laser procedures, there are several effective options available to help restore clear, focused sight.
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What kind of glasses are good for astigmatism?
Toric lenses are specially designed with varying curvatures across different parts of the lens, allowing them to correct the uneven shape of the cornea or eye lens. They are commonly recommended for individuals with moderate to severe astigmatism.
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Should I wear my glasses all the time for astigmatism?
Individuals with moderate to severe astigmatism are typically advised to wear corrective lenses full-time to maintain clear and stable vision throughout the day.
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Is astigmatism curable?
No, astigmatism isn't typically curable without medical intervention, but it is highly treatable. With the right corrective measures, such as glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, most people can achieve clear, 20/20 vision.
