TL;DR
If you’ve found that your eyesight is blurry, distorted, or uncomfortable at certain distances, there’s a chance astigmatism may be the reason.
This article helps you understand how astigmatism works, what it does to your vision, and what steps you can take to manage it. Learn how this condition could be impacting your everyday life.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error, which means your eye does not bend light correctly. In a healthy eye, the cornea and lens are smoothly rounded, allowing light to focus sharply on the retina at the back of your eye. If you have astigmatism, the cornea or lens has an irregular shape.
Rather than being round like a football, the surface of the eye may resemble a rugby ball. This uneven curve changes the way light enters your eye and stops it from focusing properly on a single point. As a result, you may see objects as blurred or stretched.
Astigmatism often occurs alongside short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia), making it more complex to detect without a professional eye test.
How astigmatism changes your vision
The main way astigmatism affects vision is by causing blurriness or distortion at all distances. You might notice that:
- Words on a screen or page appear smudged.
- Street lights look streaky or haloed at night.
- Straight lines seem wavy or slanted.
- You have to squint to see clearly.
Because your eye is constantly struggling to bring things into focus, eye strain and headaches are common. You may also experience fatigue after doing tasks that require visual attention, like reading or working at a computer.
It’s not just adults who experience these issues. Children with undiagnosed astigmatism may struggle to see the whiteboard at school or find reading difficult, which can affect their learning.
Can astigmatism get worse over time?
For many people, astigmatism remains fairly stable throughout life. However, in some cases, it may gradually change. Natural ageing of the eyes, injuries, or certain conditions like keratoconus (a thinning of the cornea) can cause the shape of the eye to become more irregular.
If you notice your vision is worsening or glasses no longer help, it’s important to book an eye test. Regular check-ups are essential for tracking changes and adjusting your prescription as needed.
How is it diagnosed?
Astigmatism is diagnosed through a routine eye test. An optometrist will assess the way your eyes focus light using tools such as a retinoscope or a phoropter. They’ll also measure the curvature of your cornea to determine the extent of the irregularity.
Eye tests are available through the NHS and are free for children under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education), people over 60, and certain benefit recipients. Having your eyes tested every two years is recommended, or sooner if you notice changes in your vision.
How is astigmatism treated?
The most common way to correct astigmatism is through prescription lenses. Glasses or contact lenses are designed to compensate for the uneven curve of your eye, allowing light to focus correctly.
- Toric lenses are a special type of lens used in both glasses and contacts that are tailored to the specific shape of your eye.
- For people with high prescriptions or changing vision needs, rigid gas-permeable lenses may offer sharper correction than soft lenses.
In some cases, laser eye surgery might be an option. Procedures like LASIK reshape the cornea to improve focus, although not everyone is a suitable candidate. Your optometrist can help assess whether surgery is appropriate for you.
Living with astigmatism
While astigmatism might sound concerning, it’s highly manageable. Once diagnosed, the condition can be corrected effectively with the right lenses. You’ll likely notice a big improvement in your ability to read, drive, and focus during screen work once you start wearing your prescription.
It’s important to keep up with regular eye tests to ensure your correction remains suitable. If you wear contacts, follow hygiene guidelines carefully to avoid infections or irritation.
You may also want to take steps to ease digital eye strain, especially if you work in front of a screen. These include:
- Taking breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Making sure your screen is positioned at eye level.
- Adjusting lighting to reduce glare.
Comfort and clarity go hand in hand when managing astigmatism, and small daily habits can make a big difference.
Final notes
Astigmatism might not be immediately obvious, but its effects on your vision can impact your daily routine in significant ways. Thankfully, with modern eye care, it’s something you can manage easily and effectively.
Book an eye test if you’ve noticed any changes in your sight. The earlier you catch it, the quicker you can get the right support and see life with greater clarity.
