Astigmatism is a common vision condition where the eye’s shape is more curved than it should be, similar to a football rather than a round baseball. This irregular curvature, typically in the cornea or sometimes the lens, causes light to bend unevenly, leading to blurred or distorted vision at various distances. Many individuals wonder if astigmatism can worsen over time.
The Typical Course of Astigmatism
Astigmatism often develops in childhood or adolescence. For most adults, it tends to remain stable, though minor fluctuations can occur. In children, astigmatism can change, sometimes decreasing as eyes develop, or increasing.
As individuals age, natural eye changes can influence astigmatism. The lens may become less flexible or the cornea’s curvature can alter, leading to increased astigmatism, often shifting from “with-the-rule” to “against-the-rule.” These changes are part of the eye’s natural aging process, like presbyopia or early cataracts, not a progression of astigmatism itself.
Factors That Can Influence Astigmatism Changes
Several factors can alter astigmatism. Keratoconus, a progressive eye disease, causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape. This leads to irregular astigmatism, distorted vision, light sensitivity, and frequent eyeglass prescription changes.
Physical eye damage, like an injury, can alter corneal shape and worsen astigmatism. A scratched cornea healing irregularly affects light refraction. Eye surgeries like cataract surgery or corneal transplants can also induce or alter astigmatism, though these changes are often addressed during or after the procedure. Incision location, size, and type can influence surgically induced astigmatism.
Age-related conditions like cataracts, which cloud the eye’s natural lens, can induce or worsen astigmatism. As cataracts progress, the lens thickens and changes shape, disrupting light and increasing visual disturbances. Excessive eye rubbing can contribute to corneal irregularities, especially in those predisposed to conditions like keratoconus. Persistent rubbing can weaken the cornea, potentially leading to thinning or warping.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Regular eye examinations are important for monitoring astigmatism and maintaining eye health. Most adults should have an eye exam every two years, while seniors aged 60 and over need annual check-ups. Children also benefit from early screenings, with initial exams recommended at six months, three years, and before starting school.
Certain signs or symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to an eye care professional. These include:
Sudden onset of blurry or distorted vision
Significant changes in vision
Eye pain
Frequent headaches
Increased difficulty seeing at night, especially with glare or halos around lights
An eye doctor can diagnose changes in astigmatism or any underlying conditions. This may involve updating prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, or for progressive conditions like keratoconus, recommending corneal cross-linking to halt progression.