Astigmatism is a common refractive error that can cause blurry or distorted vision at all distances. Some people may not realize they have it, but for others, it can affect their daily activities and quality of life.
There are several reasons why astigmatism may worsen over time, including aging, eye trauma, and extended screen time. The good news is that astigmatism can usually be managed with prescription glasses, contact lenses, and other options.
If you have blurry vision at different distances, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam. Your eye doctor can pinpoint the cause of your vision changes and recommend personalized solutions to help improve your sight.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error that happens when the eye’s cornea or lens is irregularly shaped. This physical change in the eye causes distorted vision. In a normally shaped eye, the cornea and lens have a smooth and evenly curved surface, enabling the precise focus of light on the retina.
Refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, occur when the eye doesn’t focus light properly, leading to blurred vision.
Astigmatism occurs when an imperfection in the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens causes light to scatter. Astigmatism can be congenital or develop later due to various elements, including eye injuries or surgical procedures. It often coincides with other refractive errors.
Astigmatism’s severity can vary, with some only experiencing mild symptoms, while others may have substantial vision issues that demand correction. Astigmatism is typically diagnosed during routine eye exams, where your optometrist examines your cornea and lens curvature.
Astigmatism’s severity can vary, with some experiencing mild symptoms while others need correction. It’s typically diagnosed during routine eye exams, where your optometrist checks the curvature of your cornea and lens.
Can Astigmatism Change?
Whether or not your astigmatism worsens over time depends on several factors. It stays the same for some people, while for others, it can gradually progress.
That’s why regular eye exams are essential to catch any changes early. Factors that can contribute to the worsening of astigmatism include:
- Aging: As the eye’s lens and cornea alter their shape with age, astigmatism can change, particularly if other eye conditions like cataracts occur.
- Eye trauma or surgical procedures: Eye injuries or certain surgical methods can modify the cornea’s shape, potentially worsening astigmatism’s effect on your vision.
- Keratoconus: This progressive eye disorder causes the cornea to thin and turn cone-shaped, considerably intensifying astigmatism.
Reversing Astigmatism
Astigmatism cannot be reversed, as it is not a disease but a physical characteristic of the shape of the eye.
Consult your eye doctor to determine the best approach to your eye care. While lifestyle changes—like protecting your eyes from injury—can help prevent astigmatism from worsening, they won’t correct the refractive error.
Correcting Astigmatism
Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, are the primary way to manage astigmatism. Your eye doctor will prescribe lenses tailored to your specific level of astigmatism to achieve optimal vision correction.
Laser Eye Surgery
Refractive surgery like LASIK may be an option for those who prefer not to rely on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK reshapes the cornea with a laser, correcting the abnormal curvature that causes astigmatism. While LASIK can provide long-lasting results, it’s important to first consult with your eye doctor to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. Common requirements for LASIK and similar procedures include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having a stable prescription
- Having overall healthy eyes
Specialty Contact Lenses
Specialty contact lenses, including toric lenses and orthokeratology (ortho-k), offer effective solutions for managing astigmatism. These lenses are custom-designed to address specific vision needs and can provide clear, comfortable vision:
- Toric lenses are shaped to accommodate the irregular curvature of the cornea, correcting astigmatism and offering improved clarity.
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves wearing specially designed lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This allows clear daytime vision without needing glasses or regular contacts. While this is primarily used for myopia control, it can also be an option for astigmatism correction.
Specialty contact lenses are often a good option for children or adults who aren’t suitable candidates for surgical procedures.
Book an Exam Today & Get Clarity About Your Astigmatism
Whether you need corrective eyewear, personalized advice, or regular eye exams to monitor your refractive errors, the Total Vision La Quinta team is here to help.
The first step toward better vision is consulting your eye doctor. Call us today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced optometrists will assess your eyes, provide a tailored plan to prevent worsening vision and offer correction options to help you see clearly.
