Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can cause blurry or distorted vision. It happens when the front surface of your eye or the lens inside isn’t perfectly round. While many people have a stable prescription for years, it’s possible for astigmatism to change over time.
It’s helpful to understand what can influence these shifts in your vision. While you can’t always prevent astigmatism from worsening, factors like the natural aging process, eye injuries, and certain eye conditions can cause it to progress. Comprehensive eye exams are key to managing these changes and keeping your vision clear.
What Is Astigmatism & What Are the Signs?
Imagine that a normal eye is shaped perfectly round like a basketball. An eye with astigmatism is shaped more like a football. This less regular curvature changes how light focuses inside your eye, causing vision to be blurry at all distances.
Common Symptoms of Astigmatism
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Squinting to see clearly
- Difficulty with night vision
Factors That Can Make Astigmatism Worse
Your vision can change throughout your life for different reasons. For astigmatism, certain factors can influence these changes. This can sometimes make the condition more noticeable.
The Natural Aging Process
As you get older, your eyes change naturally, just like the rest of your body. The shape of your cornea can alter slightly over the years. The muscles around your eyelids can also change, which may affect the front surface of your eye and contribute to shifts in astigmatism.
Eye Injuries & Surgery
Injury to an eye can alter its shape and affect your vision. A scratch on the cornea that doesn’t heal evenly may change its curvature. Trauma or even some types of eye surgery can also affect the lens or cornea, leading to a change in your astigmatism.
Certain Eye Conditions
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone shape. This change in shape directly causes and worsens astigmatism. While it’s not a common condition, it is a key reason for progressing astigmatism in some individuals.
Does Screen Time Worsen Astigmatism?
Spending a lot of time on digital devices will not change the actual shape of your eye. However, it can cause digital eye strain. The symptoms of eye strain, such as headaches and blurry vision, are very similar to the symptoms of astigmatism and can make them feel more pronounced.
How an Optometrist Diagnoses Astigmatism
The only way to know for sure if you have astigmatism or if it has changed is to see an optometrist for an eye exam. Your optometrist uses several simple and painless tests to check your vision. During the same process, they can also assess your overall eye health.
What to Expect During an Eye Exam
- Visual Acuity Test: This is the classic eye chart test where you read letters from a distance. It helps measure how sharp your vision is.
- Keratometry: This test measures the curve of your cornea. An optometrist uses a special tool to see how light reflects off your eye’s surface, which reveals its shape.
- Refraction Test: During this test, you’ll look through a series of lenses. Your optometrist will ask which option makes the letters on the chart look clearer to find your exact prescription.
Correction Options for Clearer Vision
If you have astigmatism, there are several ways to correct your vision and see more clearly. Your optometrist can help you decide which option fits your lifestyle. They can also help with your personal visual needs.
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are a simple and effective way to correct astigmatism. The lenses are made to counteract the irregular shape of your eye. This allows light to focus correctly on your retina and provide clear vision.
Contact Lenses
Specialty contact lenses are available for people with astigmatism. Toric lenses are a popular option designed to stay in a specific position on your eye. Rigid gas-permeable lenses are another possible choice.
Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery, including procedures like LASIK and PRK, can offer a more permanent solution for some people. Surgery reshapes the cornea to correct its irregular curve. A thorough examination with an eye doctor is needed to determine if you are a good candidate for these procedures.
Can You Stop Astigmatism From Worsening?
You can’t stop the natural aging process, but you can take steps to protect your eye health and manage your vision. Proactive care is key to keeping your sight as clear as possible.
Protect Your Eyes From Injury
Wear protective eyewear during sports, yard work, or any activity where an eye injury could occur. Preventing damage to your cornea helps keep your vision stable. This is a straightforward way to care for your eyes.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Excessive eye rubbing can put pressure on your cornea. Over time, this pressure could potentially affect the cornea’s shape and integrity. If your eyes are often itchy, talk to your optometrist about solutions like medicated eye drops.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Regular check-ups with an optometrist are the best way to monitor your astigmatism. An optometrist can detect small changes early and update your prescription as needed. These exams also allow them to check for conditions like keratoconus before they become more serious.
If you’ve noticed your vision seems blurrier or you’re experiencing more frequent headaches, it might be time for an eye exam. At River City Vision Center, our team is ready to help you with your eye care needs. Schedule an appointment with us today to take the next step toward clearer vision.
