Astigmatism is a common refractive error where the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular curvature, rather than being perfectly round. This altered shape causes light entering the eye to bend unevenly, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances. It is a widespread condition that can affect people at any point in their lives, with some individuals born with it and others developing it later.
Understanding Astigmatism’s Progression
While astigmatism can often remain stable, its severity can change or worsen over time. Minor fluctuations in vision are normal, but significant or rapid changes warrant professional attention. This progression can occur due to various factors, including natural changes within the eye or the development of specific eye conditions. Regular eye examinations ensure any shifts in vision are promptly addressed.
Factors Contributing to Worsening Astigmatism
Astigmatism can worsen due to age-related changes, eye injuries, and certain eye conditions. As individuals age, the cornea’s shape can gradually change, and the lens may lose flexibility, increasing astigmatism. This age-related progression often involves a shift in the astigmatism’s axis.
Specific eye conditions can worsen astigmatism. Keratoconus, for instance, is a progressive disorder where the cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. This irregular bulging distorts vision, leading to an irregular astigmatism often not fully correctable with standard glasses. Other conditions like pterygium, tissue growth extending onto the cornea, or cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, can also alter the cornea’s shape and increase astigmatism. Eye injuries (e.g., corneal scratches, trauma) and post-surgery complications can also change the cornea or lens, worsening astigmatism.
Recognizing Changes in Your Vision
Changes in vision can indicate worsening astigmatism. Common signs include increased blurriness or distortion at all distances. Difficulty seeing clearly at night, glare, or halos around lights are also common. Eye strain, frequent headaches, and squinting are additional symptoms. These symptoms should prompt a visit to an eye care professional for examination and management.
Managing Astigmatism and Monitoring Eye Health
Astigmatism can be managed with corrective measures to improve vision clarity. Eyeglasses with specialized lenses or toric contact lenses are common solutions that refocus light onto the retina. These corrective lenses compensate for the irregular curvature of the eye.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for monitoring astigmatism, detecting any progression, and updating prescriptions as needed. They also identify underlying eye conditions contributing to worsening astigmatism. For stable astigmatism, refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for corrective eyewear. While these surgeries offer permanent correction, they do not prevent future age-related changes or other eye conditions.