What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error, meaning the shape of your cornea or lens causes light entering the eye to focus incorrectly. This results in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Rather than being shaped like a smooth football, your cornea or lens may be shaped like a rugby ball - unevenly curved, which leads to blurry vision.
This eye condition affects both near and far vision, and is common in people of all ages. Astigmatism can develop at any stage in life, from birth or due to eye injury, disease, or other factors.
Types of Astigmatism:
Regular Astigmatism: A consistent, symmetrical distortion that can be corrected with standard lenses or surgery.
Irregular Astigmatism: Often caused by eye injury or disease (e.g., keratoconus), requiring specialised treatment.
Corneal vs Lenticular Astigmatism:
Corneal Astigmatism: Occurs in the cornea’s shape.
Lenticular Astigmatism: Caused by irregularities in the lens inside the eye.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing Astigmatism
Astigmatism can cause several symptoms that can affect your daily life, including:
-
Blurred or distorted vision at all distances (near and far)
-
Headaches, eye strain, or squinting
-
Difficulty seeing clearly at night (especially starburst lights around car headlights or street lamps)
-
Double vision, ghosting, or images that appear stretched or doubled
-
Impact on reading, concentration, and daily activities
If you experience any of these, booking an astigmatism test with an optometrist is the best step toward finding a solution. Contact your nearest practice to book.
What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?
Astigmatism can worsen over time, especially if left untreated. The main cause of its progression is changes in the shape of the cornea. Factors that can make astigmatism worse include:
Genetics: Hereditary factors play a significant role in the development and progression of astigmatism.
Eye Injury or Surgery: Trauma or previous eye surgery can cause the cornea to become more irregular over time.
Keratoconus: A condition where the cornea becomes thinner and more cone-shaped, often worsening astigmatism.
Regular eye exams will help you monitor changes and prevent your symptoms from worsening.
What Do People with Astigmatism See?
Astigmatism causes vision to appear blurred, distorted, or even stretched. At night, it can create starburst lights or halos around light sources. People with astigmatism often report difficulty focusing on both near and far objects and experience ghosting of images, where multiple, faint images of the same object appear.
If you’ve ever noticed blurry or distorted vision, particularly at night, you may have experienced astigmatism firsthand.
Causes and Risk Factors of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is usually caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. Common factors include:
Genetics: If a parent has astigmatism, there is a higher likelihood that the child may have it as well.
Eye Injury or Surgery: Damage to the cornea or lens from injury or surgery can lead to astigmatism.
Keratoconus: A condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, resulting in more severe astigmatism.
Astigmatism may develop at birth or occur later in life as the eye changes over time.
Diagnosis: How is Astigmatism Detected?
Astigmatism can be easily detected through a routine eye exam. During this exam, your optometrist will:
-
Conduct a refraction test to measure your vision and determine the severity of the astigmatism.
-
Use corneal topography to map the shape of your cornea and assess its curvature.
Regularly monitoring your eye health through eye exams helps ensure early detection and the best treatment options.
Astigmatism Treatment Options
While astigmatism cannot be "cured" permanently, there are various treatment options available to improve your vision:
Glasses
Many symptoms of astigmatism can be treated through a professional glasses prescription. Cylindrical lenses are the most common and effective method for correcting astigmatism by compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea.
Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, there are several options that are specially designed for treating astigmatism.
Toric contact lenses are designed specifically to correct astigmatism.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses can provide clearer vision and may be recommended for more severe astigmatism.
Mini scleral lenses are larger lenses that provide additional comfort for more complex cases of astigmatism.
Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK, LASEK, PRK, SMILE)
Laser surgery can reshape the cornea, permanently improving vision and reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, offering clear daytime vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
Living with Astigmatism
Astigmatism doesn’t have to hold you back, and managing your symptoms can help to improve your quality of life:
Eyewear: Choosing the right eyeglasses or contact lenses will enhance your comfort and vision.
Impact on Lifestyle: Astigmatism can affect your ability to drive at night, play sports, or focus on screens. Corrective lenses can alleviate these challenges.
Myths and Misconceptions: Astigmatism is not caused by reading in poor light or straining your eyes. These are common misconceptions.
Astigmatism in Children
Astigmatism can develop in children and may impact their learning and development. Signs to watch for in children include:
-
Squinting or tilting the head to focus
-
Complaints of blurry vision or eye strain
-
Difficulty with near and far vision
If left untreated, astigmatism in children can lead to lazy eye (amblyopia), so it’s important to seek out early detection and treatment.
Start Managing Your Astigmatism Today
Astigmatism is a common condition that can affect your vision at any stage of life. Whether you’re experiencing blurred, distorted, or double vision, or noticing issues with night driving and glare, it's important to address these symptoms early.
With the right treatment options - from glasses and contact lenses to advanced procedures - Bayfields can help improve your vision and quality of life. Regular eye exams are key to managing astigmatism and ensuring your eyes stay healthy.
Don’t let astigmatism impact your daily life any longer. Book an eye test today to get the clarity and comfort you deserve.
Astigmatism - Your Questions Answered
Can astigmatism be cured?
Astigmatism cannot be cured permanently but can be effectively managed with glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.
How does astigmatism affect driving at night?
Astigmatism can make night driving difficult due to halos or starburst effects around lights. This can cause glare and reduce your ability to see clearly, especially in low-light conditions. Corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, can help improve your vision and reduce these effects.
What should I do if my astigmatism gets worse?
If you notice your vision becoming blurrier, or if your astigmatism symptoms are worsening (such as more frequent headaches or eye strain), it's important to book an eye test with an optometrist.
Early intervention can help manage the condition with updated prescription lenses or alternative treatments.
Is it common for astigmatism to change over time?
Yes, astigmatism can change over time, especially as you age or if your cornea shape changes due to external factors like injury or disease. Regular eye exams are essential to track any changes in your vision and adjust your treatment accordingly.
Is astigmatism genetic?
Yes, astigmatism is often genetic, meaning it can run in families. If one or both parents have astigmatism, there’s a higher chance that their children may develop it as well.
What level of astigmatism requires glasses?
Even mild astigmatism may benefit from corrective eyewear to improve clarity. Glasses or contact lenses are commonly prescribed when astigmatism causes noticeable vision problems, such as blurred or distorted images, difficulty seeing clearly at night, or eye strain. Your optometrist will assess your specific needs and recommend the right correction.
How common is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors, affecting a large portion of the population. It can occur in both children and adults, and it is estimated that about 1 in 3 people have some degree of astigmatism.
Can astigmatism cause floaters?
Astigmatism itself does not directly cause floaters, which are small specks or strands that drift across your field of vision. However, if you have other underlying eye conditions, such as retinal issues, floaters may be more noticeable. If you experience a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light, it’s important to see an optometrist immediately, as these could indicate a more serious issue.