What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is one of the most common issues affecting visual acuity. While the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that about 33% of the population has astigmatism, these percentages vary significantly across age brackets. There is a genetic link associated with astigmatism, so you are more likely to develop it if one of your parents has it. Also, the older you are, the more likely you will be affected by astigmatism at some point.

The Cause, Diagnosis, & Treatment Of Astigmatism

Clear, 20/20 vision requires a single focal point of light that travels through the pupil to the back of the retina. That single focal point depends on a spherical lens and cornea. If either of these parts of the eye is more elliptical (like a football) than spherical (like a basketball), the light that enters creates two retinal focal points rather than one. These two focal points cause blurred vision.

The more dramatic the curvature of the lens or cornea moves from spherical to elliptical, the greater the distance between those two light points, and the more blurred your vision will be. This blurred vision is general, affecting both near and distance vision. 

Symptoms of astigmatism

If you’re keeping up on annual eye exams, odds are your optometrist will discover an astigmatism before you have noticeable symptoms. 

Otherwise, you may notice one or more of the following common signs of astigmatism:

• Reduced visual acuity.
• Blurred vision (usually both far and near).
• Having to blink to bring things into focus when switching from near-to-far vision.
• Increased headaches.
• Eye strain.
• Halos around headlights or blurred digital clock lights.

Young children may lack the words to express what they’re experiencing. You should always have your children’s eyes checked if they:

• Rub their eyes while reading or watching TV/screens.
• Tilt their head or blink frequently when trying to focus.
• Lack focus if they’re not sitting at the front of a classroom.
• Have teary eyes when they try to focus or look at books/screens for normal lengths of time.

The good news is that astigmatism is easily diagnosed. Proper treatment may restore 20/20 vision in mild to moderate astigmatism.

Diagnosing astigmatism

Astigmatism is quickly diagnosed during a vision exam, including the use of pupil dilation. When we look at how light penetrates the pupil and shines on the retina, we see one or two points of light. Technological advances help us assess the degree of astigmatism to determine the best solution.

Then, using standard eye charts (or a variation if needed due to the patient’s level of English literacy), we can determine the correction that will restore your vision to the best acuity we can. 

Three standard treatments for astigmatism

In addition to being a common cause of reduced visual acuity, astigmatism is a very “friendly” diagnosis because it never leads to blindness. We can always help patients see more clearly despite the degree of their astigmatism.

There are three standard “treatments” we use to correct astigmatism:

• Eyeglasses Eyeglasses. Phase 1 fix in most cases. Even if you opt to use contacts, you’ll want at least one or two backup pairs of glasses on hand if you’re having a “bad contact day.” 
• Contact lenses. The interesting thing about astigmatism is that you may not be able to get contact lenses until your astigmatism progresses. As we mentioned, it is caused by an elliptical - rather than spherical - curve of the lens or cornea. Until that curve is distinct enough, contacts may not be an option. Also, if you have young children, we recommend waiting until they’re in high school before using contact lenses. 
• LASIK or other surgical options. Your optometrist may also discuss surgical procedures that can restore vision and eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contacts. The most common of these is LASIK ( Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis). This procedure is an outpatient surgery performed in an ophthalmologist’s office, where a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea. Depending on whether you are a candidate for surgery, your optometrist or ophthalmologist may recommend other surgeries.

NOTE For Patients 50+: Despite the success of surgeries that correct astigmatism, you may still need to wear reading glasses for close vision. Regardless of the shape of your lens or cornea, hardening of the lens is a natural, age-related change in our eyes and vision. This may alter whether you opt for surgery or stick with eyeglasses that use bifocal or progressive lenses to correct your vision for both distance and reading/close range.

Tips For Supporting Healthy Vision

There is no evidence to support that astigmatism can be prevented or avoided. However, taking care of your health by making wise lifestyle choices always benefits eye health and slows the progressive decline of visual acuity. 

• Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet. Eating a diet that is high in whole foods, fresh veggies and fruits, and lean proteins - and that minimizes processed foods and sugars helps to maintain overall health and reduce the risk of disease-related vision loss.
• Minimize eye strain. Keep your eyes from becoming fatigued by honoring the 20-20-20 rule when reading or working/playing on screens. Reading and “screening” in well-lit areas also helps to reduce eye strain. 
• Establish healthy sleep habits. A good night’s sleep does a world of good for your general health and well-being, including your vision. Being well-rested reduces fatigue, eyestrain, dry eyes, and the frequent urge to rub your eyes, leading to scratched corneas.

Schedule An Eye Exam With Us At Eye to Eye Family Vision Care

The sooner your astigmatism is diagnosed, the sooner we can determine which treatment makes the most sense to help you see clearly again. Schedule your annual eye exam at Eye to Eye Family Vision Care.