Understanding Astigmatism

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea (front surface of the eye) or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the surface is shaped more like a football, causing light to focus on multiple points rather than one clear point on the retina.

Common Symptoms

• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Eye strain and discomfort
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Squinting frequently
• Poor night vision

Types of Astigmatism

1. Corneal Astigmatism

• Irregularity in the shape of the cornea
• Most common type

2. Lenticular Astigmatism

• Irregularity in the lens shape
• Less common than corneal astigmatism

Diagnosis

Your eye care professional can diagnose astigmatism through:

• Visual acuity tests
• Keratometry (measures corneal curvature)
• Corneal topography
• Refraction tests

Treatment Options

Corrective Lenses

• Eyeglasses with special cylindrical lenses
• Toric contact lenses
• Gas permeable contact lenses

Surgical Options

• LASIK surgery
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

Living with Astigmatism

• Regular eye examinations are essential
• Update prescriptions as needed
• Maintain good eye hygiene
• Use proper lighting for reading
• Take regular breaks during screen time

When to See a Doctor

Consult an eye care professional if you experience:

• Persistent blurred vision
• Frequent headaches
• Difficulty with night driving
• Changes in vision quality

Prevention and Management

• Regular eye examinations
• Proper eye protection
• Good lighting conditions
• Regular breaks during close-up work
• Maintaining current prescriptions