Struggling with blurry vision that just won’t clear up, no matter how much you squint or blink?
If objects appear distorted both up close and far away, you might be dealing with astigmatism—one of the most common yet misunderstood vision conditions affecting millions of people. Astigmatism is a type of refractive error that makes the shape of your eye more curved than it should be, but the good news is that it’s highly treatable with the right care.
What Exactly Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens is curved more steeply in one direction than in another. Think of it this way: instead of being round like a basketball, your eye might take the shape of a football. If either the cornea or the lens is egg-shaped with two mismatched curves, light rays aren’t bent the same, which means that two different images form. These two images overlap or combine and result in blurred vision.
There are two main types of astigmatism to understand:
- Corneal Astigmatism: You have corneal astigmatism if your cornea has mismatched curves. This is the most common type.
- Lenticular Astigmatism: You have lenticular astigmatism if your lens has mismatched curves. Lenticular astigmatism is often caused by cataracts.
Recognizing the Signs: Why Your Vision Becomes Blurry
Blurred vision is the most common astigmatism symptom, but it’s not the only one. Unlike other vision problems that affect only near or far vision, astigmatism causes blurry vision at both near and far distances. Astigmatism can affect your vision at any distance — both up close and farther away.
Common symptoms include:
- Objects look blurry or wavy
- It’s hard to see details on objects, like the words printed on a menu in front of you, or letters on a road sign in the distance
- Headaches and eyestrain, particularly after reading or spending time using your laptop or tablet
- Seeing a glare or halos around lights and squinting to see clearly
- Eye strain — like your eyes are constantly working too hard to see
It’s important to note that if you have mild astigmatism, you might not notice any symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Doctors don’t know what causes astigmatism, and there’s no way to prevent it. However, several factors can contribute to its development:
- Genetics: Astigmatism can be hereditary, meaning it’s passed down from parents
- Birth: Astigmatism may be present from birth, but many people develop it as children or young adults
- Eye Injury: It may develop after an eye injury, disease or surgery
- Eye Conditions: Sometimes a rare condition called keratoconus causes astigmatism. This eye disease affects the cornea, causing the clear tissue on the cornea to thin and bulge out
Contrary to popular belief, astigmatism isn’t caused or made worse by reading in poor light, sitting too close to the television or squinting.
Professional Diagnosis: Getting the Answers You Need
The only way to find out if you have astigmatism is to get an eye exam. Eye doctors can check for astigmatism as part of a dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless.
For residents of Suffolk County seeking comprehensive eye care, visiting an experienced eye doctor port jefferson can provide the thorough evaluation needed to diagnose astigmatism accurately. Advanced diagnostic tools help determine not just if you have astigmatism, but also its severity and the best treatment approach for your specific needs.
Treatment Options: Clearing Up Your Vision
The good news about astigmatism is that most people with astigmatism only need glasses or contacts to see clearly. If your astigmatism is mild, you may not need treatment.
Corrective Lenses
Glasses or contacts can correct almost all cases of 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.
For contact lens wearers, your eye doctor may prescribe toric, hybrid, or gas permeable lenses, depending on the degree of astigmatism. For people with more severe or irregular astigmatism, rigid gas-permeable or scleral contact lenses may be recommended.
Surgical Options
Doctors can also use surgery to treat astigmatism. The surgery changes the shape of your cornea so that it can focus light correctly. Refractive surgery changes the shape of your cornea, allowing you to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.
Common surgical procedures include:
- LASIK: During laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), a laser is used to make a small flap in the cornea and reshape your corneal tissue
- PRK: Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) involves reshaping the cornea by completely removing the outer layer
The Importance of Professional Eye Care
Astigmatism often worsens gradually, so early detection is key. Even small changes in your vision can impact your ability to drive safely, work effectively, or enjoy your day-to-day life. Regular eye exams are important — your eye doctor can help you make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.
For families in the Suffolk County area, North Shore Advanced Eye Care offers comprehensive astigmatism diagnosis and treatment. Led by Dr. Edward J. Moylan, this private practice combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care, serving the communities of Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Mt. Sinai, Miller Place, Setauket, and Stony Brook. With over 25 years of experience in the community, they understand that quality eye care goes beyond just updating prescriptions—it’s about preserving your vision and enhancing your quality of life.
Taking the Next Step
Astigmatism can cause blurry vision, but it’s manageable with the right care. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms for the first time or have been managing astigmatism for years, don’t let blurry vision hold you back from enjoying life’s clear moments.
If you’re experiencing persistent blurry vision, eye strain, or headaches, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve your vision and overall quality of life. Remember, the blurry vision astigmatism causes can be annoying and make it hard to participate in your daily routine. Fortunately, most people with astigmatism only need glasses or contacts to see clearly.
Don’t wait for your vision problems to worsen. Take control of your eye health today and discover how clear, comfortable vision can transform your daily experience.