Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors of the eye, affecting millions worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many people are unsure what astigmatism actually is or how it impacts vision.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Rather than being perfectly round like a basketball, the eye is shaped more like a football. This causes light to focus on multiple points instead of a single one on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances.
Astigmatism often appears alongside other vision issues like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
Common Symptoms:
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- Blurred or distorted vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Squinting
Diagnosing Astigmatism
A comprehensive eye exam is needed to diagnose astigmatism. Your eye doctor will use instruments like a phoropter and keratometer to measure the curvature of your cornea and how your eyes focus light.
Treatment Options
1: Eyeglasses
The simplest and most common treatment for astigmatism is eyeglasses. Special cylindrical lenses correct the uneven curvature of your cornea, helping to focus light more effectively.
Modern lens options even include anti-reflective coatings and blue light filters for added comfort, especially for those who work on screens.
2: Contact Lenses
Contacts offer a more natural field of vision and are a great alternative to glasses. For astigmatism, toric contact lenses are used. These are specially designed to fit the uneven shape of the eye and stay in place better than standard lenses.
There are also gas permeable lenses and hybrid lenses available for more severe cases or for those with irregular corneas.
3: LASIK Surgery
For those looking to ditch glasses or contacts entirely, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular surgical option. LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct its curvature. It’s quick, often painless, and recovery is typically fast.
However, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. People with very thin corneas or underlying conditions like keratoconus may not qualify.
A Note on Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a more serious condition where the cornea progressively thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. This irregularity can severely distort vision and is often confused with advanced astigmatism.
Mild keratoconus may be managed with glasses or rigid contacts, but more advanced cases might require corneal cross-linking, scleral lenses, or even corneal transplants.
Final Thoughts
Astigmatism is manageable and, in most cases, treatable with corrective lenses or surgery. If you’re experiencing blurred vision or frequent eye strain, an eye exam can determine whether astigmatism is the cause. Thanks to modern optics and surgical advancements, clear vision is more achievable than ever.