Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes blurred or distorted vision. It is not a disease or infection, and it can usually be corrected easily with prescription glasses, contact lenses, or vision correction surgery.
Many patients visiting an optometrist in Victoria discover they have some degree of astigmatism during a routine eye exam. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an uneven curvature. Instead of being perfectly round like a sphere, the eye may be shaped more like an egg or football.
This uneven shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, which can lead to blurry vision at both near and far distances.
Astigmatism is extremely common, affecting roughly one in three people. In most cases, it is mild and nothing to worry about.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can develop at any stage of life. Some people are born with it, while others develop it over time. In some cases, the condition may gradually worsen or improve with age.
Unlike eye infections or inflammatory conditions, astigmatism usually does not cause visible symptoms like redness or swelling. Instead, the symptoms affect vision quality.
Common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Eyestrain or eye fatigue
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting to see more clearly
- Trouble focusing at certain distances
For many people, symptoms can be mild at first and may go unnoticed until an eye exam identifies the issue.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is very common and often develops naturally without being linked to another health condition.
In many cases, astigmatism is hereditary and passed down through genetics. Less commonly, it may develop after an eye injury, surgery, or due to certain eye conditions.
One rare condition associated with worsening astigmatism is Keratoconus, a progressive disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward.
How Astigmatism Affects Vision?
In a healthy eye, the cornea and lens have a smooth and even curve that focuses light clearly onto the retina.
With astigmatism, the uneven curvature causes light rays to bend inconsistently. Instead of focusing at a single point on the retina, the light scatters, which can create blurry, shadowed, or distorted vision.
Astigmatism Treatment Options
Astigmatism is highly treatable, and most patients achieve clear, comfortable vision with corrective lenses or surgery.
Prescription Glasses
Eyeglasses are one of the most common and effective ways to correct astigmatism. Your optometrist will prescribe lenses designed to compensate for the uneven curvature of the eye
Contact Lenses
Specialized contact lenses, including toric lenses, can also correct astigmatism and provide clear vision throughout the day.
Vision Correction Surgery
LASIK and refractive surgeries can reshape the cornea using advanced laser technology. These procedures may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses for some patients.
It’s important to note that glasses and contacts do not change the shape of the eye itself. Instead, they help light focus properly onto the retina to improve vision.
Diagnosing Astigmatism During an Eye Exam
Astigmatism is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will use specialized equipment to measure how your eyes focus light and determine whether a refractive error is present.
Regular eye exams are important because vision changes can happen gradually over time. Many people do not realize they have astigmatism until symptoms begin affecting daily activities like reading, driving, or screen use.
Children and Astigmatism
Routine eye exams are especially important for children. Kids may not recognize or communicate that their vision is blurry, which can affect learning and development if left untreated.
Annual eye exams help detect astigmatism and other vision issues early so they can be corrected as soon as possible.
Book an Eye Exam for Astigmatism in Victoria, BC
With a routine eye exam, an optometrist will have all the tools necessary to identify astigmatism. This is done by measuring how the eyes focus light, just like any other refractive issue.
That’s why it’s important to schedule regular eye exams. Even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms, an optometrist will often be able to spot issues before they become problematic. And if you are experiencing blurry vision or trouble seeing, book an eye exam as soon as possible.
These regular trips to the optometrist are even more vital for children. Children may be slower to notice blurry vision or mention vision problems. That’s why fully regular annual eye exams are so important.
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