Most times astigmatism is not a serious eye condition, but causes eye strain and fatigue – impacting school and office performances. However, astigmatism can sometimes hide a sight-threatening eye condition. Astigmatism, like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), is a common refractive error.
Between 2 and 4 diopters is moderate astigmatism, and 4 or more diopters is considered significant or “bad” astigmatism. Generally, eyes with 1.5 diopters of astigmatism or more require correction.
If you have astigmatism, you're in good company. Astigmatism is a very common refractive error and is typically easily managed. Prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct your sight and let you get on with everyday life.
Astigmatism (uh-STIG-muh-tiz-um) is a common and generally treatable imperfection in the curvature of the eye that causes blurred distance and near vision. Astigmatism occurs when either the front surface of the eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye has mismatched curves.
Astigmatism does not always require the use of glasses. A person can have slight astigmatism and still see clearly. Similar to the rest of the body, the eyes change over time, so regular eye checks with your local optometrist are of importance.
Wearing glasses can't make astigmatism worse, even if they are the wrong prescription. Astigmatism is caused by the shape of the eye's cornea or lens, and glasses can't change those.
Astigmatism frequently worsens with age. Your cornea can become more irregular due to pressure from your eyelids as they lose muscle tone. Astigmatism generally stays stable until your turn 50. After then, your lens curvature progressively worsens each decade.
Avoid glare on TV and computer screens. Place your TV or computer screen where lights do not reflect on the screen. Some people find it easier to work on a computer in a dimly lit room. Special non-glare screens that fit over the computer screen also may help.
What causes astigmatism? Astigmatism happens when your cornea or lens has a different shape than normal. The shape makes light bend differently as it enters your eye, causing a refractive error. Doctors don't know what causes astigmatism, and there's no way to prevent it.
Blurred vision is the most common astigmatism symptom. It also makes it hard to see details on objects, like the words printed on a menu in front of you, or letters on a road sign in the distance. Other astigmatism symptoms include: Seeing a glare or halos around lights.
One natural way to treat astigmatism is to be aware of your head tilting. If you're tilting to one side, try tilting your head in the opposite direction of what feels most comfortable. It will feel uncomfortable at first. Your muscles are used to doing the wrong thing and need retraining.
Astigmatism is common in infants and often clears up on its own by the time a child is one year old. Children with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) are more likely to have astigmatism. Astigmatism affects Hispanic children at higher rates than other children. Astigmatism is a refractive error.
Like eyeglasses, contact lenses can correct most astigmatism. They are available in a variety of types and styles. Contact lenses are also used in a procedure called orthokeratology. In orthokeratology, rigid contact lenses are worn during the night while sleeping until the curvature of the eye evens out.
Astigmatism Treatment. Glasses or contacts can correct almost all cases of astigmatism. But if you have only a slight astigmatism and no other vision problems, you may not need them. If you have a common level of astigmatism, you'll probably have corrective lenses, like glasses or contacts, or surgery.
Overuse of Electronic Devices: The excessive use of smartphones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices could lead to astigmatism, as well as dry eye. Improper Light Levels: Watching TV or using electronic screens in the dark can cause eye strain and eye fatigue and possibly be a cause for astigmatism.
Flatter frames are better for astigmatism. Wraparound or curved frames can bend the light in a way that distorts your vision. Also, be sure to choose a frame that sits securely on the bridge of your nose to keep your vision clear and in focus.
Lights with astigmatism are well-known for appearing fuzzy, streaky, or encircled by haloes, particularly at night. The lights seem that way because of the distorted cornea, which hinders adequate light intake in your eyes, causing the lights to scatter.
Astigmatism is an eye condition that leads to blurry vision caused by the irregular shaped cornea. It takes quite a time especially with astigmatism, it can take 3 to 4 days. It can go on for a week or 5 to 6 days if you have moderate or severe astigmatism.
On a prescription, your eye doctor lists this measurement under “cylinder.” Typically, most people have an astigmatism between 0.5 and 0.75 diopters. A measurement of more than 1.5 diopters usually requires contacts or glasses to correct the astigmatism.
How common is astigmatism? Astigmatism is a common refractive error, occurring in about 1 in 3 of all people. Astigmatism is often present at birth but it can also develop over time, and most often occurs with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).
With astigmatism, driving at night is dangerous. Proper glasses can lessen that danger, bending the light before it reaches your eyes to reduce glare, halos, streaks, and general blurriness so that you can keep your focus on the road.
Astigmatism is thought to be hereditary, so if you have astigmatism, chances are good your children will have it also. The condition often occurs with other vision conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia).
Astigmatism is linked to genetics
Mom and Dad can be to blame for your football-shaped corneas. Astigmatism is a genetic trait, just like other eye characteristics such as eye color that get passed on through generations.