Astigmatism is a common eye condition that occurs when the cornea, the clear, front surface of the eye, is irregularly shaped. This can cause the light entering your eye to be focused at multiple points, rather than one point, leading to blurred vision. Astigmatism can occur on its own or along with other vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
The symptoms of astigmatism can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include:
Blurred vision: Astigmatism can cause objects at all distances to appear blurry and distorted. This can make it difficult to see clearly, whether you are looking at something close up or far away.
Difficulty seeing at night: Astigmatism can cause halos or glare around lights, making it difficult to see at night. This can be especially dangerous when driving, as it can reduce your visibility and increase your risk of an accident.
Headaches: Astigmatism can cause eye strain, leading to headaches. These headaches may be worse after prolonged periods of reading, driving, or using a computer.
Eye strain: Astigmatism can cause your eyes to work harder to focus, leading to fatigue and eye strain. This can make your eyes feel tired, dry, or uncomfortable, and can affect your overall vision.
Squinting: If you have astigmatism, you may find yourself squinting to try and see more clearly. This can cause headaches and eye strain, and may be a sign that you need to have your vision checked.
Astigmatism can be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. The best treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your astigmatism, your personal preferences, and any other vision problems you may have.
Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are the most common treatment for astigmatism. They are typically prescribed with lenses that are specifically designed to correct the irregular curvature of the cornea, improving your vision and reducing the symptoms of astigmatism.
Contact lenses: Contact lenses can also be used to treat astigmatism. There are several different types of contact lenses that can be used to correct astigmatism, including toric lenses, which are designed to correct astigmatism specifically. Your eye doctor can help you choose the right type of contact lens for your needs.
Refractive surgery: Refractive surgery is a type of surgical procedure that can be used to treat astigmatism. There are several different types of refractive surgery, including LASIK and PRK, which can permanently change the shape of the cornea to improve vision. Refractive surgery is usually only recommended for people with moderate to severe astigmatism.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. They can diagnose astigmatism and recommend treatment to help improve your vision and reduce the symptoms of this condition.