Astigmatism: Causes and Effects on Vision - Ophthalmology

More Info

---

Astigmatism is a common refractive error in the eye that occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly spherical, the cornea or lens may be more curved in one direction than the other, leading to blurred or distorted vision. This condition can affect people of all ages, and many individuals may not even realize they have it until they undergo a vision examination.


Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be caused by several factors:
1. Genetics: It often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component.

2. Eye Injury or Surgery: Trauma to the eye or surgical procedures can alter the shape of the cornea.

3. Keratoconus: This is a progressive condition where the cornea thins and bulges outward, leading to increased astigmatism.

4. Age: As people age, the lens of the eye can change shape, potentially leading to an increase in astigmatism.


Effects of Astigmatism on Vision
Individuals with astigmatism may experience a variety of visual symptoms, including:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches, particularly after prolonged visual tasks

Changes in Astigmatism After Adulthood
Regarding your specific question about whether astigmatism can increase after reaching adulthood, the answer is yes, it can. While many people have a stable degree of astigmatism throughout their adult life, certain factors can lead to changes:
- Natural Aging: The eye undergoes various changes as one ages, including changes in the lens and cornea that can affect astigmatism.

- Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes can affect vision and potentially lead to changes in astigmatism.

- Eye Conditions: As mentioned earlier, conditions like keratoconus can develop or progress in adulthood, leading to increased astigmatism.


Importance of Corrective Lenses
If your astigmatism is not adequately corrected with your current glasses, you may experience symptoms such as double vision or blurred vision, particularly when focusing on tasks that require visual acuity, like reading or using a computer. Wearing glasses with the correct prescription is essential for optimal visual clarity and comfort. If your glasses do not have the appropriate astigmatism correction, it can lead to eye strain and fatigue, making it difficult to perform daily tasks effectively.


Recommendations
1. Regular Eye Exams: It's crucial to have regular eye examinations to monitor any changes in your vision and to update your prescription as needed. Even if you feel your vision is adequate, periodic checks can help catch any changes early.


2. Consider Contact Lenses: If you are unable to get new glasses immediately, you might consider contact lenses, which can provide a different option for correcting astigmatism. Toric lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your vision, such as increased blurriness or discomfort, and report these to your eye care professional.

4. Workplace Adjustments: If your job involves prolonged screen time, ensure that you take regular breaks and adjust your workstation to reduce eye strain.

In conclusion, astigmatism is a manageable condition, but it requires appropriate corrective measures to ensure clear vision and comfort. Regular check-ups and timely updates to your prescription are key to maintaining good eye health. If you have further concerns or notice significant changes in your vision, do not hesitate to consult your eye care provider.