What You Need to Know About Astigmatism

Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors, affecting roughly one-third of the population. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 33 percent of people live with this condition. No matter what your vision is like now, having it can lead to blurry vision at all distances. Understanding the causes and treatments for astigmatism is essential for protecting your eye health and improving your quality of life.

In this guide, the Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo team will review what astigmatism is, the main causes, and the different types. We’ll also review the most common astigmatism symptoms and the treatment options available. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how to approach vision correction and when to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.

Key Takeaways About Astigmatism

• Astigmatism is a common refractive error that distorts vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
• Common causes include genetics, eye injuries, eye surgery, keratoconus, and age-related lens changes.
• The main types are corneal astigmatism and lenticular astigmatism.
• Common symptoms of astigmatism include blurry vision, headaches, and eye strain.
• Treatment options for astigmatism include glasses or contact lenses, orthokeratology, refractive surgery, and cataract surgery with toric lenses.

A comprehensive eye exam is the most reliable way to diagnose and treat astigmatism.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error, which means the eye does not bend light properly onto the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that transmits signals to the brain, allowing us to form images.

In healthy eyes, the cornea and lens work together to focus light precisely. The cornea, a transparent outer layer, refracts incoming light toward the lens. The lens, which constantly adjusts its shape, sharpens the focus of the refracting light on the retina. When either of these structures is irregularly shaped, the light scatters instead of converging. The result is distorted or blurred vision.

Types of Astigmatism

Astigmatism can develop in different ways, depending on which structure of the eye is affected. The main types of astigmatism include:

Corneal Astigmatism

Caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Instead of being evenly rounded, the cornea may resemble an oval, which prevents light from focusing correctly.

Lenticular Astigmatism

Caused by an irregularly shaped lens. This form is less common but can occur with aging or in connection with eye diseases such as cataracts.

Related Conditions

Many people also have astigmatism along with other refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness hyperopia. An eye examination with an eye doctor can determine which type of astigmatism you have and what treatment options are most effective.

What Causes Astigmatism?

The exact cause of astigmatism is not always clear, but research has identified several contributing factors.

• Genetics: Astigmatism often runs in families. If your parents or siblings have refractive errors, you may be more likely to develop the condition.
• Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eye can alter the shape of the cornea or lens, leading to astigmatism.
• Eye Surgery: Certain procedures can unintentionally cause changes to the curvature of the cornea.
• Keratoconus: This progressive eye disease causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, resulting in severe corneal astigmatism.
• Lens Changes: Sometimes, lenticular astigmatism develops before cataracts form, as the shape of the lens begins to change.

Astigmatism is also common in infants. However, mild cases often resolve on their own during the first year of life.

Recognizing Astigmatism Symptoms

Blurry vision is the most recognizable symptom, but there are several other signs that may suggest you need an eye examination. Common astigmatism symptoms include:

• Distorted or blurred vision at near and far distances
• Eye strain or discomfort after reading or screen use
• Frequent headaches, particularly after visual tasks
• Squinting in an attempt to see more clearly
• Difficulty driving at night due to halos or glare around lights

If you notice these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications and achieving clear vision.

Can Astigmatism Occur With Nearsightedness or Farsightedness?

Yes. Many people with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness hyperopia also experience astigmatism. The conditions can overlap, making vision correction more complex. Fortunately, corrective lenses and other astigmatism treatments are highly effective at addressing these combined refractive errors.

Treatment Options for Astigmatism

The good news is that several effective treatment options for astigmatism exist. The right choice depends on your age, lifestyle, and vision needs. Below are the most common methods to treat astigmatism.

1. Glasses or Contact Lenses

Corrective lenses remain the most widely used and reliable astigmatism treatments. An eye doctor can prescribe both glasses and contact lenses with special adjustments for astigmatism.

On your prescription, you may notice a notation in the CYL (cylinder) section. This refers to the lens power needed to correct the irregular curvature of your eye. Glasses or contact lenses with this correction help bend light properly onto the retina, reducing blurry vision and improving clarity.

2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology is a non-surgical treatment option where you wear rigid contact lenses overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep. In the morning, you may enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses.

The results are temporary, lasting one to two days. To maintain the effect, lenses must be worn nightly. While ortho-k can be effective for mild to moderate corneal astigmatism, it is not considered a permanent solution.

3. Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery, including LASIK and PRK, is a popular option for long-term vision correction. In these procedures, a laser carefully reshapes the cornea, correcting irregular curves. This reduces or eliminates the need for corrective lenses.

Refractive surgery is especially beneficial for individuals with corneal astigmatism combined with myopia or hyperopia. However, not everyone is a candidate. A comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor is required to determine eligibility.

4. Cataract Surgery With Toric Lenses

For individuals with lenticular astigmatism caused by cataracts, modern cataract surgery offers advanced treatment options. During the procedure, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Toric IOLs are specially engineered to correct astigmatism while restoring clear vision.

Living With Astigmatism

Astigmatism can vary in severity. Some people experience only mild distortion, while others struggle with significant visual limitations. Regardless of severity, managing the condition is possible through appropriate astigmatism treatments.

Regular visits to an eye doctor are essential for monitoring changes in vision. Since astigmatism can develop gradually or worsen over time, consistent eye examinations help identify problems early.

Why a Comprehensive Eye Exam Matters

Because astigmatism symptoms can be subtle, many people don’t realize they have it until their vision becomes noticeably blurry. A comprehensive eye exam allows your doctor to measure the curvature of your cornea, evaluate the lens, and assess overall eye health.

During the exam, your provider will also check for other eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, and evaluate whether eye injuries have caused structural changes. With these insights, your eye doctor can recommend the most effective treatment options for astigmatism.

Treating Astigmatism at Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo

If you are struggling with blurry vision, eye strain, or frequent headaches, you may have astigmatism. Fortunately, effective treatment options can restore clarity and improve your quality of life. An eye examination with an experienced eye doctor is the first step toward vision correction.

Contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and discuss the best treatment options for your needs. With the right approach, it is possible to treat astigmatism and enjoy sharper, clearer vision.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Health Statistics

American Optometric Association: Astigmatism

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Astigmatism?, 8/31/18

All About Vision: What Is Astigmatism?