Understanding Astigmatism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Over the years, I’ve come to realize how many people live with a vision condition called astigmatism without fully understanding what it is or how it affects their eyesight. Astigmatism is a common refractive error that can cause blurred vision, and while it’s something that can be easily diagnosed and treated, many people overlook its symptoms or chalk it up to something less serious. As someone who was diagnosed with astigmatism a few years ago, I can relate to the confusion and frustration that often come with it. In this article, I’ll explain what astigmatism is, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments, and share how understanding this condition has helped me live a more comfortable life with better vision.
What Is Astigmatism?
A few years ago, I started noticing that my vision wasn’t as sharp as it used to be, especially when I was reading or trying to focus on objects in the distance. The words on the page would appear blurry, and when I drove, street signs often looked out of focus. After a visit to my eye doctor, I was diagnosed with astigmatism, which, to my surprise, was much more common than I had thought.
Astigmatism is a refractive error, meaning that it occurs when the eye doesn’t properly focus light. It happens when the cornea (the clear, round-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being round like a basketball, the cornea or lens is shaped more like a football, which causes light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than a single point. This results in blurry or distorted vision, whether at near or far distances.
Causes of Astigmatism
During my visit to the eye doctor, I was curious about what had caused my astigmatism. It turns out there are several factors that can lead to this condition, and they vary from person to person. In my case, astigmatism was something I was born with, a genetic condition passed down from my parents. However, this condition can also develop later in life, especially if there are changes to the eye due to injury, surgery, or other eye conditions.
Here are some of the most common causes of astigmatism:
1. Genetic Factors
In many cases, astigmatism is inherited. If your parents have astigmatism, there’s a chance you may develop it as well. I’ve learned that many people who experience vision problems like blurry or distorted sight can trace the issue back to a family history of astigmatism.
2. Eye Injury or Surgery
Astigmatism can also develop after an injury to the eye or eye surgery, such as cataract surgery. If the cornea is damaged or its shape is altered during surgery, it may lead to astigmatism. I’ve spoken to others who experienced this change in their vision after undergoing a procedure, and it’s a reminder of how the shape of the cornea can impact the overall functioning of the eye.
3. Keratoconus
While less common, some people may develop astigmatism as a result of keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes progressively thinner and more conical in shape, further distorting vision. This condition typically begins in the late teenage years or early adulthood and can worsen over time, which can be concerning for anyone experiencing vision changes.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
One of the challenges with astigmatism is that its symptoms can be subtle, and it may take a while for people to notice that something’s wrong. For me, it took a few months of struggling to read and feeling fatigued during long drives before I realized I needed an eye exam. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be time to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist:
1. Blurred or Distorted Vision
Blurred vision is the most common symptom of astigmatism. For me, the letters on a page would blend together, and the outlines of objects would appear to be a bit stretched or wavy. Whether looking at distant objects or trying to read a book, everything appeared somewhat out of focus.
2. Eye Strain and Headaches
If you have astigmatism, your eyes may work harder to focus, leading to eye strain. I used to experience frequent headaches, especially after long periods of reading or using a computer. This is often due to the muscles around the eyes trying to compensate for the blurry vision.
3. Difficulty Seeing at Night
Night vision can also be affected by astigmatism, especially when driving. I found that streetlights and headlights from oncoming cars would appear as blurry halos, making it difficult to see clearly. This is a common symptom that many people with astigmatism experience, particularly in low-light conditions.
4. Squinting
Squinting is another common sign of astigmatism, as the eye tries to focus better on objects. I noticed that I often squinted when trying to read or focus on things, which is a subconscious attempt to reduce the distortion caused by astigmatism.
Treatment for Astigmatism
The good news is that astigmatism is highly treatable, and after my diagnosis, I was eager to explore the options available to correct my vision. There are several ways to manage astigmatism, ranging from corrective lenses to surgical options:
1. Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are one of the most common solutions for astigmatism. For me, a prescription that includes cylindrical lenses (which are specifically designed to correct the irregular shape of the cornea) provided immediate relief. Eyeglasses are a non-invasive and highly effective way to correct vision problems caused by astigmatism, and they’re often the first treatment recommended by optometrists.
2. Contact Lenses
If you prefer contact lenses over eyeglasses, there are specialized contact lenses that can correct astigmatism. These are called toric lenses, and they come in both soft and rigid gas-permeable varieties. I personally prefer wearing contacts for sports and outdoor activities, and toric lenses have allowed me to enjoy clear vision without the need for glasses.
3. Refractive Surgery
For those who wish to permanently correct astigmatism, refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) may be an option. These procedures reshape the cornea to allow light to focus more effectively on the retina. I’ve considered refractive surgery in the past, and while it’s not the right choice for everyone, many people have found success in improving their vision with this method. Your doctor can help determine if you’re a good candidate for surgery.
Living with Astigmatism
After being diagnosed with astigmatism, I learned that it’s a condition that can easily be managed with the right treatment plan. Whether you wear eyeglasses, contacts, or consider surgery, there are many options available to improve your quality of life. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for astigmatism can help you take control of your eye health and enjoy clearer vision. I encourage anyone who thinks they may have astigmatism to schedule an eye exam—it can make a huge difference in your everyday life!
