Have you ever noticed that your vision seems slightly off—even with your glasses or contacts on? Maybe road signs look fuzzy, or letters on a page appear shadowed. If so, astigmatism could be the cause.
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that can cause blurry, distorted, or stretched vision at any distance. It happens when the eye isn’t perfectly round, which changes how light enters and focuses inside the eye. Though it’s not dangerous, it can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer more difficult and tiring.
Let’s explore what astigmatism looks like, how it’s diagnosed, and how you can treat it to bring the world back into focus.
How Astigmatism Changes Your Eye Shape
To understand astigmatism, it helps to picture the shape of a normal eye—usually round, like a basketball. This allows light to bend (or refract) evenly and land directly on the retina, giving you clear vision.
With astigmatism, the eye is more football- or egg-shaped. This uneven curve means that light scatters instead of focusing in one sharp spot, which leads to blurry or warped vision.
There are 2 main types of astigmatism:
- Corneal astigmatism: Caused by an irregular shape in the cornea (the front surface of the eye).
- Lenticular astigmatism: Caused by an irregularity in the lens inside the eye.
Astigmatism can be present from birth, and genetics often play a role. If you have it, there’s a chance your kids might, too. But it’s not strictly inherited—other factors can also contribute.
Can You Develop Astigmatism Later in Life?
Yes, astigmatism can develop over time. While many people are born with it, it can also be caused by:
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Eye surgery (such as cataract removal)
- Eye diseases like keratoconus, which causes the cornea to thin and bulge
- Natural changes to the eye’s shape as you age
As we get older, our eyes change, and sometimes, these changes are subtle. That’s why regular eye exams are so important. They allow your optometrist to spot these shifts early and recommend solutions to help keep your vision sharp.
Symptoms: What Does Astigmatism Feel Like?
Astigmatism can manifest in several ways, and not everyone will notice the same symptoms. Common signs include:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Eye strain or fatigue, especially after reading or screen time
- Headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night, especially when driving
- Squinting often to try to see clearly
You may notice that your vision feels “off” at both near and far distances. For example, small text might appear shadowed or fuzzy, while distant signs look like they’re double-imaged. If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s a good idea to get an eye exam to rule out or confirm astigmatism.
How Astigmatism Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing astigmatism is simple and noninvasive. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist may use the following tests:
- Visual Acuity Test: You’ll read from a chart to measure how well you can see at different distances.
- Keratometry: This measures the curvature of your cornea.
- Refraction Test: You’ll look through different lenses to find the 1 that gives you the clearest vision.
- Autorefractor Exam: A tool shines light into your eye to analyse how it focuses.
These tests help pinpoint the severity of astigmatism and guide your optometrist in recommending the right treatment.
What Other Conditions Are Similar to Astigmatism?
Because astigmatism affects vision at multiple distances, people sometimes confuse it with other refractive errors like:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): Trouble seeing distant objects clearly
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty focusing on nearby objects
While it’s possible to have astigmatism with 1 of these conditions, they aren’t the same. Astigmatism causes distortion at all distances, while myopia and hyperopia affect specific ranges.
Other times, astigmatism symptoms—like tired eyes or headaches—might be dismissed as simple eye fatigue. But if you’re dealing with blurry vision regularly, it’s best not to guess. Only a proper exam can determine the real cause.
How Can Astigmatism Be Treated?
The good news? Astigmatism is very treatable with solutions that fit your lifestyle.
Glasses
Eyeglasses with specially shaped lenses (called cylindrical lenses) are a simple and effective option. They adjust how light bends as it enters your eye, helping it focus properly. Glasses are also easy to update and can be a stylish accessory.
Contact Lenses
Today’s contact lens options are much more advanced. Toric lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism and come in both soft and rigid varieties. They stay in place better than regular lenses and provide crisp vision. Hybrid lenses—rigid in the centre with a soft outer ring—are another option for more complex prescriptions.
Laser Eye Surgery
Procedures like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea and permanently correct the irregular curve. These surgeries can reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts, but not everyone is a candidate. A detailed consultation is necessary to assess your eye health and corneal thickness.
See Life More Clearly
If you’re struggling with blurry vision, don’t chalk it up to tired eyes or a long day. Astigmatism may be affecting the way you see the world—and the right treatment can make a big difference.
At See & Be Seen Eyecare, our team offers comprehensive eye exams to detect astigmatism and help you find your clearest vision yet. Whether you’re considering glasses, contacts, or laser surgery, we’ll walk you through your options with care and clarity.
Request your appointment today—your eyes deserve it.
