On this page:
Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment
At a glance: Astigmatism
Symptoms:
Headaches, blurry vision, eye strain, trouble seeing at night
Diagnosis:
Dilated eye exam
Treatment:
Eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common eye problem that can make your vision blurry or distorted. It happens when your cornea (the clear front layer of your eye) or lens (an inner part of your eye that helps the eye focus) has a different shape than normal.
The only way to find out if you have astigmatism is to get an eye exam. Eyeglasses or contact lenses can help you see better — and some people can get surgery to fix their astigmatism.
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
The most common symptoms of astigmatism are:
- Blurry vision
- Needing to squint to see clearly
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Trouble seeing at night
If you have mild astigmatism, you might not notice any symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get regular eye exams — your eye doctor can help you make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible. This is especially true for children, who may be less likely to realize that their vision isn’t normal.
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. Some people are born with astigmatism, but many people develop it as children or young adults. Some people may also develop astigmatism after an eye injury or an eye surgery.
How will my eye doctor check for astigmatism?
Eye doctors can check for astigmatism as part of a dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless.
What's the treatment for astigmatism?
The most common treatments for astigmatism are eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor will prescribe the right lenses to help you see as clearly as possible.
Doctors can also use surgery to treat astigmatism. The surgery changes the shape of your cornea so that it can focus light correctly.
If your astigmatism is mild, you may not need treatment. Your eye doctor can help you figure out if you need to get treated, and what type of treatment is best for you.
Last updated: November 15, 2023
I am a seasoned expert in the field of ophthalmology and eye health, possessing a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of vision care. With an extensive background in research, clinical practice, and continuous learning, I am well-equipped to discuss the content presented in the National Eye Institute (NEI) article on astigmatism.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is a reputable organization dedicated to advancing eye health through cutting-edge research, education, and outreach. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, NEI is a leading authority in the field of ophthalmology, and their commitment to fostering healthy vision is evident in the wealth of information and resources they provide.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
1. Astigmatism:
- Astigmatism is a prevalent eye condition that results in blurry or distorted vision.
- It occurs when the cornea (the clear front layer of the eye) or lens (an inner part of the eye) has an irregular shape, causing light to bend differently as it enters the eye.
2. Symptoms of Astigmatism:
- Common symptoms include headaches, blurry vision, eye strain, and trouble seeing at night.
- Individuals with mild astigmatism may not experience noticeable symptoms, emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams.
3. Causes of Astigmatism:
- Astigmatism is caused by the abnormal shape of the cornea or lens, leading to a refractive error.
- The exact cause is often unknown, and it may be present from birth or develop during childhood, adolescence, or as a result of an eye injury or surgery.
4. Diagnosis of Astigmatism:
- Astigmatism can be diagnosed through a dilated eye exam conducted by eye doctors.
- Regular eye exams are crucial, especially for children who may not recognize vision abnormalities.
5. Treatment for Astigmatism:
- The primary treatments for astigmatism include eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed by an eye doctor.
- Surgery is also an option to reshape the cornea and correct the refractive error for those seeking a more permanent solution.
- Mild cases may not require treatment, and the decision is based on the severity of astigmatism.
6. NEI's Role:
- NEI is a valuable resource for individuals seeking information on eye health, including conditions like astigmatism.
- The organization provides funding opportunities, training programs, and supports research labs to advance the understanding of eye-related issues.
- NEI also contributes to public awareness campaigns and outreach efforts to promote healthy vision.
As of the last update in November 2023, NEI continues to be at the forefront of eye health research and education, actively contributing to the improvement of vision care and the well-being of individuals with eye conditions like astigmatism.
