Mar 11

What Is an Astigmatism?

When it comes to your eyes, there’s no shortage of terms and concepts to understand—farsightedness, nearsightedness, glaucoma… the list goes on. It’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed trying to make sense of it all. Here at Trumansburg Optical, we’ve spent over 20 years helping our patients understand their eye health, and astigmatism is one of the most common eye conditions people have questions about.

Considering that nearly a third of people have some degree of astigmatism, clearing up what it means and how it’s treated is more important than ever. This blog explains everything you need to know—from what causes astigmatism to how it can be managed—so you can feel confident about your eye health.

How Your Eye Works (and How Astigmatism Affects It)

To understand astigmatism, starting with the basics of how the eye works is helpful. Normally, the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface in front of the eye) and the lens work together to focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. This allows you to see sharp, clear images, whether near or far.

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an uneven curvature. Rather than being round, like a basketball, the cornea or lens has an elongated shape, more like a football or egg. This irregular shape causes light to scatter rather than focus, resulting in blurry vision at all distances.

Types and Causes of Astigmatism

Astigmatism isn’t one-size-fits-all—it varies from person to person. Understanding the types and causes can help demystify this condition.

Types of Astigmatism

• Regular Astigmatism: The most common form, where the corneal curvature is uniformly irregular. This type is geometric and predictable, making correcting with glasses or contact lenses easier.
• Irregular Astigmatism: Less common and more complex, this occurs when the cornea has scattered irregularities, often caused by injury, surgery, or conditions like keratoconus.

Causes of Astigmatism

Astigmatism often comes down to genetics. If your parents or siblings have it, there’s a good chance you might too. However, genetics isn’t the only contributing factor:

• Eye Injury or Surgery: Damage to the cornea can alter its shape.
• Eye Diseases such as keratoconus, where the cornea becomes progressively thinner and more cone-shaped.

How Astigmatism Is Diagnosed

Many people with astigmatism don’t even realize they have it. Symptoms can include blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, and frequent squinting—but these signs can overlap with other vision problems. That’s why a professional eye exam is critical.

During a comprehensive exam, your optometrist may use several tools to diagnose astigmatism:

• Eye Chart Test to assess your visual sharpness at different distances.
• Phoropter to fine-tune your lens prescription.
• Autorefractor and Keratometer to measure the shape and curvature of your cornea.

Early detection is especially important for children. Without treatment, astigmatism can lead to vision problems like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can impact a child’s learning and development. Regular eye exams are the best way to keep your vision on track.

Treatment Options for Astigmatism

Good news—astigmatism is highly treatable! The correction method that’s right for you all depends on your condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

1. Glasses

Eyeglasses are the simplest and most common way to correct astigmatism. Lenses are designed to compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea, refocusing light so you see clearly.

2. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be incredibly helpful for astigmatism:

• Toric Soft Lenses are popular, offering comfort and effectiveness for regular astigmatism.
• RGP Lenses (Rigid Gas Permeable) are ideal for more severe or irregular cases, providing sharper vision than soft lenses.
• Hybrid Lenses combine the benefits of both soft and RGP lenses, offering comfort with precise correction.

3. Refractive Surgery

In extreme cases where astigmatism causes great discomfort, procedures like LASIK can reshape the cornea. Surgery is typically recommended for adults with stable prescriptions and no underlying eye conditions. It’s an investment worth discussing with your optometrist.

Tips for Living with Astigmatism

Living with astigmatism doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right tools and habits, you can manage it effectively.

Daily Management Tips:

• Wear Your Prescribed Lenses: Corrective lenses are your frontline defense for crisp, clear vision.
• Take Breaks from Screens: Eye strain can exacerbate discomfort, so follow the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds).
• Adjust Lighting when reading or working to reduce squinting.

Eye Health Habits:

• Schedule Regular Check-Ups to monitor changes in your vision.
• Protect Your Eyes with sunglasses to shield against UV rays.
• Practice Good Hygiene when handling contact lenses to reduce the risk of infection.

Take the First Step Towards Better Vision

Astigmatism might sound intimidating, but it’s a common condition with straightforward solutions. Understanding how it works and seeking early treatment can make all the difference. If you’ve been struggling with uncertain vision or eye discomfort, don’t wait— reach out to Trumansburg Optical to schedule an appointment today. Your eyes deserve the best care, and we’re here to make sure they get it.