Is This Astigmatism? Your Vision Issues

Is this astigmatism?

Hello, Doctor: I have myopia of about 500-600 degrees and astigmatism of around 100 degrees.
Last week, I went to get new glasses, and the optician told me to lower the prescription slightly, as it would be better for my eyes and reduce strain.
Following his advice, I got the new glasses, and I noticed that during the day, I can see very clearly in sunlight, but I struggle to see "electronic light" (such as LED, mobile phones, TVs, and computer screens) or lights in the dark.
When I look at these lights, I see a secondary glare underneath them.
For example, when driving at night, I see another light below the traffic lights.
Doctor, could this be due to insufficient astigmatism correction, or is there another issue with my eyes? I kindly ask for your clarification.
Thank you!

Xiao P, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/25

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

You should first report the issue to the optical shop.
If they are unable to resolve it, it is recommended that you bring your glasses to the clinic for a detailed examination to identify the problem.

Reply Date: 2015/10/25

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your vision. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing some visual disturbances that could be related to your existing refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Let’s break down your symptoms and explore potential causes and solutions.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Difficulty with Electronic Screens and Low Light: You mentioned that while you can see clearly in daylight, you struggle with electronic screens and lights in dark environments. This could be indicative of several issues:
- Astigmatism: This condition occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision. It can lead to difficulties in seeing fine details, especially in low light or when looking at bright lights, such as those emitted by screens.

- Contrast Sensitivity: Individuals with astigmatism often have reduced contrast sensitivity, making it harder to distinguish objects from their background, particularly under artificial lighting or in dim conditions.

- Visual Disturbances: The phenomenon of seeing halos or glare around lights, especially at night, is common among those with astigmatism. This could explain why you see additional lights or halos around traffic signals when driving at night.

2. Adjustment to New Glasses: You mentioned that your optician suggested a slight reduction in your prescription. While this can sometimes help alleviate eye strain, it’s crucial that your prescription accurately reflects your current visual needs. If your astigmatism is not adequately corrected, it can lead to ongoing visual discomfort.

Possible Causes
- Inadequate Correction: If your new glasses do not fully correct your astigmatism, you may continue to experience visual disturbances. It’s essential to ensure that your prescription is tailored to your specific needs, particularly if you are experiencing significant discomfort with electronic devices.

- Eye Fatigue: Prolonged use of screens can lead to digital eye strain, which may exacerbate your symptoms. Symptoms can include dryness, irritation, and blurred vision, particularly if your glasses are not providing adequate correction.

- Underlying Conditions: Although less likely, other underlying eye conditions could contribute to your symptoms. It’s essential to rule out any potential issues through a comprehensive eye examination.

Recommendations
1. Revisit Your Eye Care Professional: Given your ongoing symptoms, I recommend returning to your eye care provider for a thorough examination. Discuss your experiences with the new glasses and express your concerns about your vision with electronic screens and in low light. It may be necessary to adjust your prescription to better address your astigmatism.

2. Consider Specialized Lenses: If you frequently use electronic devices, consider lenses designed to reduce glare and enhance contrast. Blue light filtering lenses can also help reduce eye strain from screens.

3. Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to alleviate digital eye strain: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Ensure you are in a well-lit environment when using screens, and consider using artificial tears to combat dryness.

4. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and any changes in your vision. If you notice a significant worsening or new symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

5. Regular Eye Exams: Regular check-ups are crucial, especially with your history of myopia and astigmatism. This will help ensure that any changes in your vision are promptly addressed.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to astigmatism and the adjustment to your new glasses, it’s essential to have a comprehensive evaluation to rule out any other potential issues. Your comfort and clarity of vision are paramount, and with the right adjustments, you should be able to enjoy a clearer visual experience.

Best wishes for your eye health, and I hope you find relief soon!

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