Astigmatism is a common vision issue that makes things look blurry, distorts what you see, and makes it hard to see at night. Although researchers aren’t certain about the exact cause of astigmatism, they know it happens when the cornea, the eye’s outer layer, changes shape. You might be more prone to astigmatism if it runs in your family, you’ve injured your eyes, or you’ve undergone eye surgery. This condition can affect up to 40% of people at some point in their lives.
Luckily, there are several ways to treat astigmatism. You can use glasses, wear special contact lenses, or have surgery to correct the cornea’s shape. The type of astigmatism you have will help your eye doctor suggest the best treatment for you. There are different types of astigmatism, and the most noticeable symptom is usually a change in your vision. You might also experience other vision-related symptoms.
In a normal eye, light enters and hits the retina, which sends information to your brain so you can see images correctly. With astigmatism, however, the retina can’t do this properly due to the eye’s shape change, causing blurry or distorted vision.
The exact reason astigmatism happens isn’t fully understood, but some believe it could be related to aging or other eye conditions. Anyone can develop astigmatism, but some factors might increase your chances, such as having a family history or certain lifestyle factors.
If your vision changes, it’s important to visit your eye doctor for a check-up. They can assess your symptoms, test your vision, and rule out other possible causes. There are several diagnostic tests available to learn more about your vision and diagnose conditions like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
The severity of your astigmatism will guide your treatment options. The goal is to fix the underlying issue or lessen the symptoms. Mild cases might not need immediate treatment but should be monitored regularly. More severe cases might require glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Surgical options can reshape the cornea and offer long-term results.
One non-surgical method is orthokeratology, which involves wearing special rigid lenses at night to gradually change the cornea’s shape. Although these changes aren’t permanent, continued use can help maintain clear vision.
Some people may need glasses with cylindrical lenses to help reduce astigmatism symptoms, improving sharpness and reducing eye strain. If you prefer contacts, you should discuss with your eye doctor whether lenses for astigmatism suit you. It’s important to be diligent about lens hygiene to avoid infections. Regular soft contact lenses are generally not suitable because they are designed for round-shaped corneas. People with astigmatism can benefit from “toric” lenses, which have a specific shape to counteract astigmatism and enhance vision.
Toric lenses often have lines on them to ensure a proper fit. Since the exact cause of astigmatism is unknown, preventing it entirely isn’t possible. It’s also a misconception that squinting or watching too much TV causes astigmatism. However, young children exposed to excessive screen time may have a higher risk of developing it later.
In some cases, astigmatism can improve on its own. Still, it’s essential for an eye doctor to keep an eye on it, especially when it involves changes in the cornea’s shape. Astigmatism, if left unchecked, can worsen, but following your prescribed treatment plan and having regular eye exams can help manage the condition.
Living with astigmatism increases the risk of other vision problems, and while there’s no surefire way to prevent it, treatment—be it glasses, contacts, or surgery—can help improve symptoms and address the root cause. Most people with astigmatism lead normal lives with proper management, but it’s crucial to get professional guidance if symptoms appear for proper diagnosis and treatment.
