Blurred Vision: Is It Astigmatism or Something Else? - Ophthalmology

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Blurred vision can be a frustrating and concerning symptom, especially when it affects your daily activities. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing several visual disturbances, including light scattering, ghosting of text, and halos around lights. These symptoms can indeed be related to astigmatism, but they may also indicate other underlying issues.

Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. In your case, the scattering of light and the appearance of halos around lights, especially at night, are classic signs of astigmatism. When you squint or narrow your eyes, you may be temporarily improving your vision by reducing the amount of light entering your eyes and increasing the depth of focus, which can help reduce the distortion.

However, the presence of ghosting or double vision, particularly when reading subtitles or looking at bright lights, could also suggest other conditions. For instance, if you notice that the ghosting disappears when you squint, it may indicate that your current prescription is not adequately correcting your vision, or it could be a sign of eye strain or fatigue. Additionally, if you are experiencing halos around lights, this could be due to a number of factors, including dry eyes, glare sensitivity, or even cataracts, especially if you are of an age where cataracts could be a concern.

Given that you have a history of myopia (nearsightedness) at 500 degrees, it is essential to have regular eye examinations to monitor your vision and ensure that your prescription is up to date. Changes in your vision, especially if they occur suddenly or worsen over time, should be evaluated by an eye care professional. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam, including tests for refractive errors, and assess the health of your eyes to rule out any serious conditions.

In your case, it would be advisable to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to discuss your symptoms in detail. They may perform a refraction test to determine if your current glasses prescription is still appropriate or if adjustments are needed. Additionally, they may conduct tests to check for any other potential issues, such as dry eye syndrome, corneal irregularities, or other ocular conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms could be indicative of astigmatism, they may also suggest other underlying issues that warrant further investigation. Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining eye health, especially with existing refractive errors like myopia. If you notice any significant changes in your vision or if your symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Taking proactive steps can help ensure that any potential problems are addressed early, allowing you to maintain clear and comfortable vision.