Understanding Astigmatism: A Guide to Visual Clarity

Astigmatism is a refractive error of the eye that occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly spherical like a basketball, the cornea or lens is shaped more like a football. This irregular curvature causes light entering the eye to focus on multiple points rather than a single point on the retina. As a result, images appear blurry or distorted at various distances.

Astigmatism is primarily caused by irregularities in the curvature of the cornea or lens. Instead of having a uniform curvature in the different axes of the eye, individuals with astigmatism have one axis that is steeper or flatter than the axis perpendicular to it. This results in two focal points, leading to distorted vision.

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can affect people of all ages, races, and genders. It often occurs in conjunction with other refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). While some individuals are born with astigmatism, it can also develop later in life due to factors such as eye injuries, surgeries, or changes in the corneal shape over time.

Identification of Astigmatism

Regular eye examinations are crucial for identifying astigmatism and other vision problems. Symptoms of astigmatism can include:​

Blurred or Distorted Vision

Objects may appear blurry or wavy at all distances.

Eye Strain

Individuals with astigmatism may experience eye discomfort, fatigue, or headaches after reading or focusing for extended periods.

Squinting

Squinting is a common response to attempting to see more clearly when affected by astigmatism.
We can diagnose astigmatism through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include visual acuity tests, refraction tests, and corneal curvature measurements.

Remedies for Astigmatism

Fortunately, astigmatism is a manageable condition with several effective treatment options:

Prescription Eyewear

Eyeglasses or contact lenses with specially designed lenses can compensate for the irregular corneal shape and provide clear vision.

Refractive Surgery

Myopia control methods have shown promising results in slowing down the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of high myopia and associated eye conditions.

Toric Contact Lenses

These are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, offering stable and clear vision.

The appropriate remedy depends on the severity of the astigmatism, the patient’s age, lifestyle, and preferences.

If you suspect astigmatism or are experiencing visual difficulties, don’t hesitate to schedule an eye exam by calling 02 9371 0093 or book online for accurate diagnosis and personalised guidance.