Noticing that your astigmatism is getting worse can be concerning, especially if you start experiencing more frequent blurry vision, headaches, or difficulty seeing clearly at certain distances. Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects how light enters the eye, often causing objects to appear distorted or out of focus. While mild cases can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, a noticeable worsening may signal changes in your eye health, lifestyle factors, or underlying conditions that require attention.
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curvature, preventing light from focusing evenly on the retina. Instead of being perfectly round, the surface of the eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball, which causes light rays to focus on multiple points rather than just one.
Types of Astigmatism
- Corneal astigmatism– caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea.
- Lenticular astigmatism– caused by an irregular shape of the lens inside the eye.
- Regular astigmatism– the curvature is consistent across one axis, making it easier to correct.
- Irregular astigmatism– the curvature varies in different areas of the eye, often caused by injury, scarring, or certain eye diseases.
Why Astigmatism Can Get Worse
Although astigmatism can remain stable for many years, some people notice changes in their vision over time. These changes can be influenced by age, eye health, and environmental factors. Understanding the possible causes can help you take steps to slow down its progression.
Common Reasons for Worsening Astigmatism
- Natural aging of the eye– As you age, the shape of your cornea and lens can change, which may increase astigmatism.
- Eye strain– Prolonged screen time, reading in poor lighting, or focusing on close work for extended periods can worsen visual symptoms.
- Progression of eye conditions– Diseases such as keratoconus can significantly alter corneal shape, leading to worsening astigmatism.
- Eye injuries or surgeries– Trauma or surgical changes to the cornea can affect its curvature.
- Genetic factors– Some people are naturally more prone to changes in corneal shape due to inherited traits.
Signs That Your Astigmatism Is Getting Worse
It’s not always obvious when astigmatism changes, but certain symptoms can indicate a shift in your prescription or overall eye health.
Possible Warning Signs
- Increased blurry or distorted vision, both near and far
- Frequent headaches after visual tasks
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in dim lighting
- Squinting more often to see objects clearly
- Eye fatigue after reading or using screens
How Astigmatism Is Diagnosed and Monitored
If you suspect your astigmatism is worsening, an eye exam is essential. Eye doctors use a variety of tools to measure your vision and corneal shape, ensuring they can detect even small changes.
Diagnostic Methods
- Visual acuity test– measures how clearly you can see letters or symbols at various distances.
- Refraction test– determines the correct lens prescription to correct your vision.
- Keratometry– measures the curvature of your cornea.
- Corneal topography– creates a detailed map of your corneal surface to detect irregularities.
Managing Worsening Astigmatism
While astigmatism cannot always be prevented, several treatment options can correct vision and slow down progression, depending on the underlying cause.
Vision Correction Options
- Eyeglasses– Simple and effective, lenses can be updated as your prescription changes.
- Toric contact lenses– Designed specifically for astigmatism, providing clear and stable vision.
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses– Helpful for irregular corneas, offering sharper vision than soft lenses in some cases.
- Orthokeratology– Special lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.
- Refractive surgery– Procedures like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea, though not all patients are candidates.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule.
- Ensure proper lighting when reading or working.
- Maintain good eye hygiene when wearing contact lenses.
- Protect your eyes from injury by using safety eyewear during sports or hazardous work.
Astigmatism and Other Eye Conditions
In some cases, worsening astigmatism can be linked to other conditions. For example, keratoconus gradually thins and bulges the cornea, leading to significant visual distortion. Cataracts, which cloud the eye’s natural lens, can also affect vision and astigmatism. Managing these related conditions is essential to maintaining good eyesight.
When to Be Concerned
- Rapid or sudden changes in vision
- Persistent eye pain or redness
- Double vision that does not improve with blinking
- Distorted lines or shapes in your visual field
These symptoms may indicate more than just a prescription change and should be evaluated promptly by an eye care professional.
Long-Term Outlook for Astigmatism
For most people, astigmatism is manageable and does not lead to blindness. However, ignoring changes in your vision can result in chronic discomfort and reduced quality of life. Regular eye exams, usually once a year, help track changes and ensure you receive the most appropriate vision correction.
If you notice that your astigmatism is getting worse, don’t ignore it. Subtle changes in vision can have a big impact on daily activities, from reading and driving to working on a computer. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and seeking timely treatment, you can protect your eye health and maintain clear vision for years to come. Astigmatism may be common, but with the right care, it doesn’t have to limit your quality of life.