Astigmatism: A Common Vision Issue You Shouldn’t Ignore

Astigmatism is one of the most common vision problems, yet it’s often misunderstood. It occurs when your eye isn’t perfectly round. Instead of being shaped like a smooth sphere, the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, more like a football. This irregularity causes light to bend unevenly, leading to blurry or distorted vision at any distance.

The good news? Astigmatism is manageable. However, the first and most crucial step is an accurate diagnosis through a comprehensive eye exam.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism affects how light enters and focuses in the eye. It can vary based on which part of the eye is involved.

Types of Astigmatism

• Corneal Astigmatism: Caused by an uneven curve in the cornea (the outer layer of the eye), this is the most common type and often results in blurry or distorted vision.
• Lenticular Astigmatism: This occurs when the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape, leading to similar vision problems as corneal astigmatism.
• Mixed Astigmatism: A more complex form where light focuses both in front of and behind the retina, creating combined distortions.

Astigmatism is further classified into:

• Regular Astigmatism: Easier to diagnose, as the curve of the cornea or lens is consistently uneven.
• Irregular Astigmatism: Often associated with injuries or conditions like keratoconus, this type is more complex to diagnose and manage.

What Causes Astigmatism?

In most cases, astigmatism is hereditary and present from birth. It can also develop or worsen over time due to:

• Eye injuries or trauma
• Certain surgeries
• Medical conditions such as keratoconus, where the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward.

Natural changes in the eye’s shape can also occur as part of the aging process.

Why a Comprehensive Eye Exam is Essential

Astigmatism often goes unnoticed until it begins to interfere with daily life. Common symptoms include:

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Eye strain or discomfort, especially during tasks like reading or screen use
• Headaches
• Halos or glare around lights, making night driving difficult

These symptoms are not exclusive to astigmatism and may overlap with other eye conditions. That’s why a comprehensive eye exam is essential. It allows an eye care professional to identify the root cause of your symptoms, whether it’s astigmatism or another issue entirely.

An eye exam doesn’t just assess your vision—it provides a detailed evaluation of your overall eye health. This is particularly important because some conditions that contribute to astigmatism, like keratoconus, may progress without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Don’t Wait—Prioritize Your Vision

Astigmatism is more than just an inconvenience—it can significantly impact your quality of life. Tasks like reading, recognizing faces from a distance, or spending long hours on a screen can become challenging. However, the sooner astigmatism is identified, the easier it is to manage and prevent further discomfort.

At OptiCare Health, we believe that healthy vision starts with regular, comprehensive eye exams. These exams are your first line of defense in maintaining clear and comfortable vision.

Don’t let symptoms like blurry vision or headaches hold you back. Schedule your eye exam with OptiCare Health today and take the first step toward understanding your eyes and protecting your vision for the future.