Sudden Astigmatism Increase and Floaters: When to Seek Further Care

Short-term worsening of astigmatism accompanied by symptoms of floaters?

Hello, doctor.
In the past, my astigmatism was around 100 degrees, and it didn't affect my daily life.
However, over the past year, I've noticed symptoms of astigmatism, such as experiencing glare from lights at night and not being able to read as clearly as before.
When I went to an ophthalmologist, my astigmatism had surprisingly increased to 300 degrees.
After using a blue light machine, the doctor mentioned that it was a regular deepening and advised me to wear glasses and have regular follow-ups.
Subsequently, I noticed that my astigmatism worsened by another 50 degrees, and I also experienced floaters (the doctor said there were no issues after a dilated eye exam).
Should I seek further evaluation at a larger hospital? I'm concerned that there might be some tests that haven't been done.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/11

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Astigmatism generally does not change significantly unless there has been eye surgery or frequent rubbing of the eyes.
If astigmatism continues to increase, it is indeed necessary to investigate the underlying causes.
This is for your reference.
Dr.
Ho Chien-Hsien, Department of Ophthalmology, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2021/04/11

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant increase in astigmatism and the presence of floaters, which can be concerning. Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. The fact that your astigmatism has increased from around 100 degrees to 300 degrees, and then further increased by another 50 degrees, is noteworthy and warrants further investigation.

The symptoms you describe, such as increased glare at night and difficulty reading, are common in individuals with worsening astigmatism. The presence of floaters, which are small specks or strands that drift through your field of vision, can be normal, especially as we age. However, a sudden increase in floaters or the appearance of new floaters, particularly if accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your peripheral vision, can indicate a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment.

Given your situation, it is advisable to seek further care, especially if you have not undergone a comprehensive eye examination that includes a dilated fundus exam. This type of examination allows the eye doctor to thoroughly assess the retina and the vitreous gel in the eye, which can help identify any potential issues that may not be visible during a standard eye exam.

Here are some steps you can take:
1. Schedule an Appointment with a Specialist: If you have not already done so, consider seeing a retinal specialist or an ophthalmologist who can perform a more detailed examination of your eyes. They can assess the health of your retina and determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your vision, including the frequency and intensity of floaters, glare, or any new symptoms. This information can be helpful for your eye care provider.

3. Discuss Your Concerns: When you see the specialist, be sure to communicate your concerns about the rapid increase in astigmatism and the floaters. Ask about the potential causes of these changes and what tests might be necessary to rule out any serious conditions.

4. Follow-Up Care: Depending on the findings of your examination, your eye doctor may recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your condition. This is especially important if there are any signs of retinal issues.

5. Consider Eyewear Options: If your astigmatism is confirmed, your eye doctor may prescribe corrective lenses to help improve your vision. Regularly updating your prescription is crucial, especially with the changes you are experiencing.

In summary, while an increase in astigmatism can be managed with corrective lenses, the presence of floaters, especially with a recent increase, should not be overlooked. Seeking further evaluation from a specialist is a prudent step to ensure your eye health and address any potential concerns. Remember, early detection and intervention can significantly impact the outcome of many eye conditions.

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