Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. This irregularity affects how light is focused on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

While the exact cause of astigmatism is not always known, several factors can contribute to its development or worsening:

Astigmatism is often hereditary, meaning it can be passed down through families. Many people are born with this condition, and it’s more common in premature or low birth weight babies.

• Corneal Shape: The most common cause of astigmatism is an irregularly shaped cornea. Instead of being perfectly spherical like a soccer ball, the cornea may be more oval-shaped, like a rugby ball.
• Lens Shape: Less commonly, astigmatism can be caused by an irregularly shaped lens inside the eye, known as lenticular astigmatism.

Several eye-related factors can cause or worsen astigmatism:

1. Keratoconus: This progressive eye disease causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, often leading to significant astigmatism.
2. Eye Injuries: Trauma or injury to the eye can cause scarring or change the shape of the cornea, potentially resulting in astigmatism.
3. Eye Surgery: Certain types of eye surgery, including cataract surgery, can alter the cornea’s shape and potentially lead to astigmatism.
4. Corneal Scarring: Infections or ulcers on the cornea can cause scarring, distorting its shape and leading to astigmatism.

As people age, their likelihood of developing or experiencing worsening astigmatism increases. The natural aging process can cause changes in the eye’s structure, potentially affecting the shape of the cornea or lens.

• Contact Lens Use: Improper or excessive use of certain types of contact lenses, especially rigid or hard lenses, can temporarily change the shape of the cornea and bring about astigmatism.
• Eyelid Pressure: In some cases, pressure on the eyeball from eyelid problems, such as large cysts or infected glands, can induce astigmatism.
• Other Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, may be associated with an increased risk of astigmatism.

It’s important to note that astigmatism cannot be caused by reading in low light or sitting too close to the TV. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and management of astigmatism, as it can change over time and may occur alongside other vision conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that can affect vision in various ways. The primary symptoms of astigmatism include:

• Blurry or distorted vision: This is the most common symptom, affecting vision at all distances (both close-up and far away)
• Difficulty focusing: Objects may appear fuzzy or lack sharpness
• Trouble seeing at night: This can include difficulty driving at night and seeing halos or glares around lights

• Eye strain: The eyes may feel tired, especially after visual tasks like reading or using a computer
• Squinting: People with astigmatism often squint in an attempt to see more clearly
• Eye irritation: Some individuals may experience general eye discomfort

• Headaches: Frequent headaches can occur due to the extra effort needed to focus
• Fatigue: Increased tiredness, particularly after visual tasks, is common

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals with mild astigmatism may not experience any noticeable symptoms at all. Additionally, astigmatism can occur alongside other vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), which may influence the overall visual experience.

To determine if your astigmatism is worsening, you should be aware of several key signs and symptoms:

The most common indicator of worsening astigmatism is a noticeable change in your vision. You may experience:

• Blurred or distorted vision: This is the primary symptom of progressing astigmatism.
• Difficulty seeing at night: You might find it harder to drive at night or see clearly in low-light conditions.
• Increased sensitivity to glare: Especially from oncoming headlights or street lamps at night.

As your astigmatism progresses, you may notice:

• Headaches: More frequent or severe headaches, particularly after visual tasks.
• Eye strain and fatigue: Your eyes may feel tired more quickly when reading or using digital devices.
• Squinting: You might find yourself squinting more often to see clearly.

Worsening astigmatism can affect your daily life in various ways:

• Difficulty with certain tasks: You may struggle more with activities that require clear vision, such as reading, working on a computer, or playing sports.
• Frequent changes in prescription: If you find that you need to update your glasses or contact lenses more often, it could indicate that your astigmatism is progressing.

Some people with worsening astigmatism may notice:

• Fluctuating vision: Your vision quality might vary at different times of the day or when you’re tired.

It’s important to note that astigmatism can change slowly over time, and you may not always notice these changes immediately. Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting and monitoring any progression in your astigmatis. If you experience any of these symptoms or notice changes in your vision, it’s best to consult with an eye care professional from Eyespire for a thorough evaluation.

Astigmatism is detected and diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The process typically involves several tests:

This test measures the clarity of your vision using an eye chart. People with astigmatism often have lower visual acuity, such as 6/12, compared to the normal 6/6 vision.

Refraction is a key test for diagnosing astigmatism:

• Manual refraction: The eye doctor uses a phoropter to place different lenses in front of your eyes, asking which provides clearer vision.
• Automated refraction: A quick test usually performed by an assistant using an autorefractor to measure refractive errors.

This test measures the curvature of your cornea using an instrument called a keratometer. Astigmatism is often caused by unequal curves in different meridians of the cornea.

A more advanced version of keratometry, corneal topography creates a detailed map of your cornea’s surface, helping to detect any irregularities.

• Eye health examination: The doctor will check the overall health of your eyes.
• Pupil dilation: This allows for a thorough examination of the retina and optic nerve.

It’s important to note that while there are online tests and at-home methods to check for astigmatism, these are not substitutes for a professional eye exam. They can give you an idea of your vision quality, but a comprehensive eye exam by an eye care professional is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Regular eye exams are crucial, especially for children, as astigmatism can impact school performance and lead to other eye problems if left untreated. If you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, frequent headaches, eye strain, or difficulty seeing at night, it’s advisable to schedule an eye exam.

Astigmatism can be treated through various methods, depending on the severity of the condition and individual preferences. The main treatment options for astigmatism include:

1. Glasses: Prescription glasses with cylindrical lenses are often used to treat regular astigmatism, providing clear and comfortable vision.
2. Contact Lenses:
   1. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed for astigmatism, with different refractive powers on horizontal and vertical orientations.
   2. Rigid gas-permeable lenses can correct both regular and irregular corneal astigmatism.

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis): This popular procedure reshapes the cornea to correct astigmatism, often along with other refractive errors.
2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): An alternative to LASIK, PRK removes a layer of corneal tissue to flatten the cornea and correct vision.
3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A newer, minimally invasive technique that creates a thin piece of tissue inside the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision.