Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects the way light enters the eye, causing blurred or distorted vision. It’s not a disease, but rather a variation in the shape of the eye that can affect people of all ages. While the condition might sound intimidating, it is easily diagnosed and effectively managed with the right treatment.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what astigmatism is, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and the treatment options available in the United Kingdom.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the eye’s cornea (the clear, front surface) or lens isn’t perfectly curved, resulting in uneven focusing of light onto the retina at the back of the eye.
- Normal Eye: The cornea is shaped like a basketball, evenly curved in all directions.
- Astigmatic Eye: The cornea has an irregular shape, like a rugby ball, causing light to focus at multiple points instead of one.
This irregularity leads to blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances.
Types of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can occur in different forms:
- Corneal Astigmatism: Caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
- Lenticular Astigmatism: Caused by an irregularly shaped lens inside the eye.
It can also be classified based on how it affects vision:
- Regular Astigmatism: The most common form, where the cornea curves more in one direction than the other.
- Irregular Astigmatism: Less common and often caused by injury, surgery, or eye conditions like keratoconus.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is usually hereditary, meaning you’re born with it. Other potential causes include:
- Eye injury or surgery.
- Eye diseases like keratoconus.
- Prolonged eye strain in rare cases.
It’s important to note that activities like reading in dim light or sitting close to the television don’t cause astigmatism, contrary to common myths.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of astigmatism and may include:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- Eye strain or discomfort.
- Headaches, particularly after prolonged reading or screen use.
- Difficulty with night vision.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s worth booking an eye test with your local optometrist.
Diagnosing Astigmatism
Astigmatism is diagnosed during a routine eye examination, which typically includes:
- Visual Acuity Test: Reading letters on a Snellen chart to assess the clarity of your vision.
- Keratometry: Measuring the curvature of the cornea.
- Refraction Test: Determining the prescription needed to correct vision.
- Corneal Topography (if necessary): Creating a detailed map of the cornea’s surface for more complex cases.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
Thankfully, astigmatism can be corrected using several effective methods:
1. Glasses
Prescription glasses with cylindrical lenses can correct the uneven curvature of the cornea, providing clear vision. This is the simplest and most common treatment option.
2. Contact Lenses
- Toric Lenses: Specially designed to correct astigmatism by compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea.
- Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Sometimes recommended for irregular astigmatism or severe cases.
Your optometrist can advise on the best type of lenses based on your lifestyle and needs.
3. Laser Eye Surgery
For those seeking a permanent solution, laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or LASEK, reshapes the cornea to correct astigmatism. This is a popular option for individuals over the age of 21 whose vision has stabilised.
4. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
This involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. It’s particularly useful for people with mild to moderate astigmatism who want to avoid daytime glasses or lenses.
5. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
In cases where laser surgery isn’t suitable, particularly for older adults with presbyopia, RLE can replace the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one to correct astigmatism.
Astigmatism in Children
Children with astigmatism may struggle with learning or reading due to blurred vision. Regular eye tests, available free on the NHS for children under 16 (or under 19 if in full-time education), can detect astigmatism early. Corrective glasses can significantly improve a child’s vision and quality of life.
Living with Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a manageable condition, and most people lead normal, unrestricted lives with proper treatment. Regular eye tests are essential for monitoring changes in vision and ensuring your prescription remains up to date.
In the UK, adults are typically advised to have an eye test every two years, though those with specific risk factors or symptoms may need more frequent check-ups.
Final Thoughts
Astigmatism is a common and treatable condition that doesn’t have to interfere with your daily life. Whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or opt for laser surgery, there’s a solution to help you see clearly.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of astigmatism or haven’t had an eye test in a while, book an appointment with your optometrist. Early detection and proper treatment can make a world of difference to your vision and overall eye health.
Your vision matters—take steps to keep it sharp and clear!
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