Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects how the eye focuses light, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error where the eye’s cornea (the clear front surface) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular curve. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the affected surface is shaped more like an American football or the back of a spoon. This irregular shape prevents light from bending, or refracting, correctly as it enters the eye. As a result, light rays do not focus sharply onto a single point on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances.
Astigmatism is frequently present from birth, suggesting a hereditary component. However, it can also develop later in life due to factors such as eye injury, certain eye diseases, or complications following eye surgery. It often occurs alongside other common refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
Does Not Wearing Glasses Worsen Astigmatism?
Not wearing glasses does not structurally worsen astigmatism. The underlying shape of the cornea or lens, which defines astigmatism, is not altered by whether or not corrective lenses are worn. This means the physical condition of your eye will not permanently change.
While the physical condition does not worsen, the symptoms experienced without correction might feel more pronounced. The eye and brain may strain to achieve clearer focus, which can lead to discomfort and a perception that vision is deteriorating. These symptoms, such as blurry vision or headaches, are a reflection of the lack of visual support, not an indication of progressive eye damage.
Astigmatism can naturally change over time due to other factors, independent of glasses wear. Age-related changes to the eye, such as alterations in corneal shape or lens flexibility, can cause astigmatism to increase or decrease. Eye conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea progressively thins and bulges, or injuries can also lead to changes in astigmatism. Regular eye exams are important to monitor these natural shifts and adjust prescriptions as needed.
The Effects of Uncorrected Astigmatism
Living with uncorrected astigmatism can significantly impact daily life and visual comfort. The constant blur makes it challenging to see details clearly at all distances, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms as the eyes work harder to compensate.
Common effects include eye strain, headaches, and general eye discomfort, particularly after prolonged visual tasks like reading or using a computer. Squinting is also a frequent symptom, as it can temporarily reduce the amount of unfocused light entering the eye, offering a fleeting sense of clearer vision. Uncorrected astigmatism can also cause difficulties with night vision, manifesting as glare or halos around lights, which can be particularly problematic for activities like driving.
The strain and visual challenges posed by uncorrected astigmatism can affect productivity and overall quality of life. Tasks requiring sharp vision may become frustrating, potentially impacting academic performance or workplace efficiency.
Living with Astigmatism
Managing astigmatism primarily involves correcting the way light focuses on the retina to achieve clear vision. Eyeglasses are a common and straightforward method, utilizing cylindrical lenses specifically designed to counteract the eye’s irregular curvature. These lenses bend light in a way that allows it to focus precisely on the retina, thereby sharpening vision.
Contact lenses also offer an effective means of correction, with specialized “toric” lenses being the primary option for astigmatism. Toric lenses have unique designs that ensure they remain properly oriented on the eye, providing consistent correction for the varying curvatures. For some individuals, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses might be recommended, particularly for higher or irregular astigmatism, as they maintain a stable shape over the cornea.
Surgical options like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) can offer a more permanent solution for eligible individuals. These procedures use lasers to precisely reshape the cornea, improving its curvature and allowing light to focus correctly without the need for external corrective lenses. Regardless of the chosen method, regular comprehensive eye exams are important to monitor vision changes and ensure that any prescribed correction remains accurate and effective.