Astigmatism is generally stable, but its severity can change over time. While the eye’s irregular shape doesn’t “come and go” daily, its symptoms might fluctuate due to various temporary factors. Distinguishing between permanent structural changes and temporary visual fluctuations is important.
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common refractive error where the eye’s cornea, the clear front surface, or the lens inside the eye has an irregular curve. Instead of being uniformly spherical like a basketball, it is shaped more like a football. This irregular shape causes light to focus on multiple points in front of or behind the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
This causes light rays to refract unequally, so images appear stretched or hazy, affecting tasks from reading fine print to recognizing distant objects. The two primary forms of this condition are corneal astigmatism, originating from the cornea’s shape, and lenticular astigmatism, which stems from the lens inside the eye.
How Astigmatism Changes Over Time
While astigmatism is often stable, it can indeed progress or regress throughout a person’s life, reflecting actual structural changes within the eye. In childhood, for instance, astigmatism can develop, lessen, or even disappear as the eye grows and matures. This developmental phase often sees shifts in the corneal curvature as the visual system refines.
Aging also plays a role in altering astigmatism, primarily due to natural changes in the eye’s lens. Conditions such as presbyopia, the age-related hardening of the lens, or the development of cataracts can induce or modify existing astigmatism. These changes are typically gradual and become more noticeable in middle to later adulthood.
Significant events like eye injury or surgery can permanently reshape the cornea, thereby altering the degree of astigmatism. Procedures such as cataract surgery, where the natural lens is replaced, or LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, are designed to correct vision but can also induce or change existing astigmatism. These interventions lead to a new, stable refractive state.
A specific condition known as keratoconus involves a progressive thinning and outward bulging of the cornea, transforming it into a cone-like shape. This disease causes significant and often rapid changes in astigmatism, leading to increasingly distorted vision. Unlike other changes, keratoconus is a disease process that requires ongoing monitoring and management.
Factors Affecting Perceived Fluctuation
While astigmatism itself is stable, its symptoms can fluctuate due to various external and physiological factors. Prolonged visual tasks, such as extensive computer use, can lead to eye strain and fatigue, making existing astigmatism symptoms like blurred vision or discomfort more pronounced. This temporary exacerbation is due to the eye’s muscles working harder to compensate.
Dry eye syndrome is another common factor that can temporarily distort vision and mimic or worsen astigmatism symptoms. A dry ocular surface lacks the smooth, consistent tear film necessary for clear vision, causing light to scatter irregularly. Restoring adequate lubrication often improves visual clarity, demonstrating the temporary nature of this fluctuation.
Environmental conditions, particularly lighting, also influence how noticeable astigmatism symptoms become. Poor lighting or environments with excessive glare can make it more challenging for the eye to focus, thereby highlighting existing refractive errors. The contrast and clarity of vision can significantly decrease under suboptimal light, making blur more apparent.
Overall bodily health can also impact vision clarity temporarily. Dehydration, fluctuations in blood sugar levels common in individuals with diabetes, or even certain medications can temporarily affect the eye’s ability to focus sharply. These systemic influences can cause a transient blurring. Furthermore, improperly fitted or dirty contact lenses can cause variable vision, leading to temporary blur or discomfort.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Regular eye examinations are important for the diagnosis and management of astigmatism. These comprehensive assessments allow eye care professionals to measure the precise degree and axis of astigmatism, determining its stability or progression. Early detection of any significant changes helps in timely intervention.
Individuals experiencing new or worsening vision changes, persistent blurriness, or unexplained eye discomfort should consult an eye care professional. These symptoms might indicate a change in astigmatism or signal the presence of an underlying eye condition. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can differentiate between temporary visual fluctuations and permanent structural changes.
An eye doctor can determine the specific cause of vision fluctuations and recommend appropriate corrective measures. This may include updating prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, or discussing surgical options if appropriate. Addressing underlying conditions contributing to visual symptoms ensures optimal eye health and clear vision.