Astigmatism is a common type of refractive error that causes blurry vision at various distances. It can be extremely frustrating, with all kinds of irritating symptoms. But sometimes, people notice their vision worsens over time. So what causes astigmatism to worsen?
The human eye is sensitive, and all sorts of underlying factors can affect astigmatism. Some common culprits include age-related changes, injuries, or conditions like keratoconus.
If you ever experience significant vision changes, don’t ignore them. Instead, visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam to discuss treatment options.
What Is Astigmatism?
The cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front part of your eye, plays a vital role in your vision. The surface of the cornea bends and focuses light onto the retina. In fact, it’s much like a camera lens—a well-rounded cornea means that light properly focuses inside your eye.
For those with astigmatism, the cornea or lens isn’t perfectly round. Instead, it’s more oval in shape, almost like a football. This irregularity scatters light inside the eye, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
Astigmatism is quite common. It’s typically present from birth, though it can develop later on in life due to eye injuries or surgeries.
How to Tell If You Have Astigmatism
If you suspect you might have astigmatism, knowing what to look for is key. Watch for the common symptoms of astigmatism, including:
- Blurry or distorted vision at any distance
- Eye strain or discomfort, especially after close-up work
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Squinting to see more clearly
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist.
The Different Types of Astigmatism
Astigmatism affects everyone differently. It’s broken up into 2 main categories:
- Corneal astigmatism, where the cornea is shaped improperly.
- Lenticular astigmatism, where the eye’s natural lens is shaped improperly.
Then, it can be broken down further into these 2 categories:
- Regular astigmatism, where the improper curve is uniform and consistent across the entire cornea.
- Irregular astigmatism, where this curve is random and the cornea isn’t completely rounded.
Finally, 3 more properties of astigmatism include:
- Myopic astigmatism, which combines astigmatism with nearsightedness. This means light focuses in front of the retina rather than on it.
- Hyperopic astigmatism, tied to farsightedness, where the eye focuses light behind the retina rather than on it.
- Mixed astigmatism, where the eye focuses light both in front of and behind the retina, leading to a range of vision problems.
Regardless of the type, a professional diagnosis is key to effectively managing astigmatism.
Can Astigmatism Worsen Over Time?
Your eyes tend to go through several changes over the years. This means your astigmatism may stay the same, or even worsen, depending on a few specific factors.
1. Aging
The human eye experiences several age-related changes. Sometimes, these are minor, like when the cornea or lens naturally shift in shape. This process worsens astigmatism and causes new visual problems or distortions.
However, some problems are more serious, like presbyopia, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration. These issues can also interfere with vision and may make astigmatism symptoms more severe.
2. Eye Injuries & Surgery
If you ever experience an eye injury or emergency, this can change the shape of your cornea. In fact, even surgery can alter the surface of your eye or lens. This can worsen existing symptoms, or even cause astigmatism later in life.
If you ever notice vision changes after an injury or surgery, don’t ignore them. Instead, reach out to an eye care professional as soon as you can.
3. Keratoconus
Keratoconus, a progressive eye condition known to cause bulging and thinning of the cornea, can significantly alter your vision. This condition requires special treatments to manage symptoms. Without proper treatment, keratoconus can lead to long-lasting vision problems and even blindness.
How to Treat Astigmatism
You don’t have to put up with blurry vision due to astigmatism. There are several treatments available, including:
- Corrective lenses customized to your prescription can greatly improve your vision. These lenses counteract the irregularities of your cornea or lens.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) lenses, which are special contact lenses that temporarily reshape your cornea and are designed to be worn overnight.
- Specialty contact lenses, like toric lenses for astigmatism, designed to accommodate the unusual shape of your cornea or lens.
Your optometrist can recommend a solution tailored to your lifestyle.
Can LASIK Fix Astigmatism?
Laser procedures like LASIK can be effective for refractive errors. These treatments reshape the cornea and correct the uneven curves causing your astigmatism.
However, it’s important to note that not everybody qualifies for LASIK. To qualify, a person must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have healthy eyes without severe conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma.
- Have a stable prescription for at least a year.
- Have corneas thick enough to support the procedure.
- Not be pregnant or nursing.
Before considering laser eye surgery, your optometrist will need to perform a laser eye surgery consultation. They can assess your eyes to determine if you’d qualify for the surgery, then guide you going forward.
Long-Term Clarity Awaits
Whether you’re dealing with astigmatism or any other vision problem, our team at Insight Eyecare is here to help. Astigmatism may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Our team can diagnose your underlying condition, look for potential problems, then help you find the clear vision you deserve. Book an appointment with us today!
