What is Astigmatism? 7 Signs to Watch Out For

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. When you have this vision problem, your cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to focus improperly on your retina. This results in blurry or distorted vision at various distances, along with symptoms like eye strain and headaches.

Understanding this condition is the first step toward proper treatment and management. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or suspect you might have this condition, this guide will explore everything you need to know—from causes and symptoms to treatment options and lifestyle adjustments that can help you see more clearly.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when either the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular curvature. Instead of having a perfectly round shape like a basketball, an astigmatic eye has a shape more like a football, with one meridian steeper than the other. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on a single point on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness, which affect vision at specific distances, this condition impacts how clearly you can see objects both near and far, making it a unique refractive error that requires specific correction.

5 Causes of Astigmatism

• Genetic factors: Many people are born with astigmatism due to inherited traits that affect the shape of their cornea or lens. If your parents have this condition, you’re more likely to develop it as well.
• Corneal irregularities: The most common type of this eye condition results from an irregularly shaped cornea, called corneal astigmatism. Instead of being perfectly spherical, the cornea develops a more oval or football-like shape.
• Lens abnormalities: Less commonly, this visual problem can occur when the lens inside your eye has an irregular shape, known as lenticular astigmatism. This type can develop or change as you age.
• Eye surgery or injury: Procedures like cataract surgery or injuries to the eye can sometimes result in this condition by altering the shape of the cornea.
• Keratoconus: This progressive eye condition causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward in a cone-like shape, resulting in significant astigmatism and vision distortion.

7 Signs of Astigmatism

• Blurry vision or distorted vision: The most common symptom of astigmatism is seeing objects as blurry or stretched out at all distances. You might notice that straight lines appear wavy or that objects seem tilted or distorted in certain ways.
• Eye strain and fatigue: Your eyes work harder to focus properly when you have this condition, which can lead to eye strain and fatigue, especially after reading or looking at digital screens for extended periods.
• Headaches: The constant effort to focus clearly often triggers headaches, particularly around the eyes or forehead. These headaches typically occur after visual tasks that require concentration.
• Squinting: You might find yourself frequently squinting to see more clearly, as this temporarily changes the shape of your eye and can sometimes improve focus.
• Poor night vision: Many people experience increased difficulty seeing in low light conditions. You might notice more glare, halos, or starbursts around lights at night, especially when driving.
• Difficulty distinguishing detail: Reading small print, seeing the details on distant objects, or making out fine details in any visual task may be challenging.
• Eye irritation and discomfort: The constant strain from trying to focus clearly can sometimes lead to eye discomfort, redness, or a feeling of general irritation in the eyes.

How is Astigmatism treated?

Corrective Eyewear

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the most common and straightforward treatments for astigmatism. Specially designed lenses compensate for the irregular shape of your cornea or lens by bending light rays in a way that correctly focuses them onto your retina. Your prescription will include a measurement for “cylinder” (the amount of astigmatism) and “axis” (the orientation of the astigmatism). These corrective lenses work instantly to improve vision clarity and reduce associated symptoms like eye strain and headaches.

Corrective eyewear is typically recommended when you have:

• Mild to severe astigmatism: Eyeglasses can correct virtually any degree of astigmatism and are often the first treatment recommended by eye doctors.
• Active lifestyle: Toric contact lenses are specially designed for this eye condition, with different powers in different meridians of the lens. They’re weighted to prevent rotation on the eye, making them ideal for those who play sports or prefer not to wear glasses.
• Combined vision problems: Nearsightedness or farsightedness are related conditions, and modern lenses can correct all these issues simultaneously.
• Changing vision needs: As you age, severity might change, requiring regular eye exams to update your prescription accordingly.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. These gas-permeable lenses gently flatten the irregular corneal surface while you sleep, providing clearer vision during the day without needing to wear corrective lenses. The effect is temporary, typically lasting 1-2 days, so consistent nightly wear is necessary to maintain vision improvement. Ortho-K can be particularly beneficial for children with progressive astigmatism, as some studies suggest it may help slow the progression of refractive errors.

Orthokeratology is best for treating:

• Mild to moderate astigmatism: Ortho-K works best for people with measurements under 1.50 diopters, making it suitable for many but not all cases.
• Active individuals: Athletes, swimmers, and those working in dusty environments often prefer Ortho-K as it eliminates the need for daytime corrective eyewear.
• Those unsuitable for refractive surgery: People who don’t qualify for LASIK or similar procedures due to age, corneal thickness, or other factors may find Ortho-K a good alternative.
• Children with progressive astigmatism: Some research indicates Ortho-K might help slow the progression of the condition in children, making it a consideration for younger patients.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgeries like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) can permanently correct your vision by reshaping the cornea. These procedures use precise laser technology to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue, creating a more spherical shape that properly focuses light onto the retina. Most refractive surgeries are outpatient procedures that take less than 30 minutes, with rapid recovery and minimal discomfort. The results are typically long-lasting, though some patients may need enhancements as they age.

Refractive surgery is best when you have:

• Stable prescription: Candidates should have a stable vision prescription for at least 1-2 years before considering surgery, as changing severity could require additional procedures.
• Moderate to severe astigmatism: Modern laser techniques can effectively treat astigmatism up to approximately 6.0 diopters, making surgery viable for most cases.
• Appropriate corneal thickness: Not everyone is a good candidate for refractive surgery, as sufficient corneal thickness is required for safe tissue removal and reshaping.

10 Tips for Living with Astigmatism

• Keep your prescription current. Visit your eye doctor annually or as recommended to check for changes in your condition. Vision can change gradually over time, and an outdated prescription can cause unnecessary eye strain and headaches.
• Take regular screen breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and reduces the additional strain that this condition can cause during screen time.
• Optimize your lighting. Ensure your work and reading areas have adequate, even lighting without glare. People often experience more significant problems with glare and contrast, so position light sources to minimize shadows and reflections.
• Consider special lens coatings. Anti-reflective coatings on eyeglasses can reduce glare and halos, especially when driving at night. These coatings are particularly beneficial for people who tend to be more sensitive to these visual disturbances.
• Keep your eyes lubricated. Use artificial tears as needed, especially if you experience dry eyes along with your astigmatism. The strain can sometimes lead to reduced blinking and increased dryness.
• Maintain proper contact lens hygiene. If you wear toric lenses, follow all cleaning and replacement schedules strictly. These specialized lenses require proper care to maintain their effectiveness and prevent eye infections.
• Be cautious with night driving. Astigmatism often causes more significant visual disturbances in low light, including starbursts and halos around lights. Consider limiting night driving if your vision is significantly affected, especially in rainy or foggy conditions.
• Create an ergonomic workspace. Position your computer monitor at eye level and about arm’s length away. Good ergonomics reduces the need to strain your eyes, which is particularly important when you have astigmatism.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors. Protect your eyes from UV rays and bright light with quality sunglasses that also correct your astigmatism. Excessive squinting in bright conditions can increase eye fatigue.
• Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition. Though diet won’t cure astigmatism, overall eye health benefits from proper hydration and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc. Healthy eyes manage vision challenges better.

Conclusion

Astigmatism may be common, but it doesn’t have to limit your quality of life. With regular eye exams and appropriate treatment, most people can achieve clear, comfortable vision despite having this refractive error. Remember that astigmatism can change over time, making ongoing care essential for maintaining optimal vision health.

Don’t let blurry vision or eye strain impact your daily activities. Schedule an appointment with us at Vision iCare today for a comprehensive eye examination and personalized treatment plan. For more helpful eye care tips and information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, where we regularly share valuable content to help you maintain a healthy vision for life.