Astigmatism means your eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football, so light is focused at more than one place in the eye. Astigmatism, along with short-sightedness and long-sightedness, is a common cause of blurry vision. It’s usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. Unlike a perfectly round eye structure, astigmatism creates an elongated or football-shaped cornea, leading to distorted vision. It can occur due to genetics, eye injuries, or conditions like keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea).
Common Symptoms of Astigmatism
People with astigmatism often experience:
- Blurred vision at all distances, worsening with fatigue.
- Distorted lines and contours, where straight lines appear curved.
- Eye fatigue and headaches after prolonged visual tasks (e.g., reading, screen use).
- Sensitivity to light and difficulty with night vision.
- Squinting to compensate for visual distortion.
Impact on Daily Life and Activities
Untreated astigmatism can significantly affect daily functioning:
Reduced quality of life: Persistent eye strain and headaches can lower productivity and overall well-being
Driving and work challenges: Difficulty focusing on road signs or computer screens..
Learning difficulties: Children may struggle with reading, writing, or confusing letters (e.g., H vs. M.1.
Social and leisure limitations: Reduced participation in activities requiring sharp vision, such as sports or hobbies.
Astigmatism is treatable through corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) or laser surgery, restoring clear vision and alleviating symptoms
