Astigmatism
What does astigmatism do to your vision?
Your eyes work together to pass light to your brain, creating the images you see. Light travels through the cornea and lens to focus on the retina, which converts it into signals sent to the brain.
With astigmatism, light bends unevenly, preventing proper focus on the retina. This causes blurry or wavy vision at any distance and can lead to eye strain.
What are astigmatism symptoms?
Blurred vision is the most common symptom of astigmatism, making it difficult to see details on objects, like menu text or distant road signs.
Other symptoms include:
- Glare or halos around lights.
- Squinting to see clearly.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Eye strain.
Young children may not realize they have vision issues. Consult an eye specialist if your child frequently squints, rubs their eyes, or complains of headaches.
What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism is often hereditary, passed from parents to children, but it can also result from excessive pressure on the cornea by the eyelids.
While typically not linked to health conditions, astigmatism can be caused by:
- Eye injuries.
- Keratoconus.
- Complications from eye surgery.
How is astigmatism diagnosed?
An eye care specialist diagnoses astigmatism through a comprehensive eye exam, which includes evaluating the inside of your eyes.
Common diagnostic tests include:
- Visual acuity test: Checks vision clarity using a wall chart with letters or symbols.
- Refraction test: Measures how light bends as it enters your eye.
- Keratometry: Assesses the curvature of your cornea.
- Slit lamp exam: Uses a specialized microscope with adjustable light to examine the layers and structures of your eye.
How is astigmatism treated?
Most people with astigmatism require corrective lenses. Your eye care specialist may recommend eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve your vision.
If your astigmatism is mild and doesn’t affect your vision, glasses or contacts might not be necessary. However, your specialist will monitor changes during regular eye exams. Since astigmatism can worsen over time, you may need corrective lenses in the future.