How Astigmatism Affects Your Eyes—and What You Can Do About It

Have you ever noticed car lights at night look stretched or blurry? Or maybe text just doesn’t seem as sharp as it should? If so, your eye doctor may have said those all-too-familiar words: “You have astigmatism.”

But what exactly is astigmatism—and is it something to be worried about? In this post, we’ll break down what astigmatism is really doing to your eyes, how it affects your vision, and what your options are for correction. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’re wondering if you might have it, this article will give you the answers.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects how the eye focuses light. The term comes from the Latin: "a-" meaning “without” and "stigma" meaning “point”—literally “without a point.” In simple terms, it means the light entering your eye doesn’t focus to a single point on the retina like it should. Instead, it spreads out and creates multiple focal points, often in an oval or stretched shape.

This results in:

• Blurry or distorted vision at all distances

• Eye strain or headaches

• “Ghosting” or double images, especially around text

• Increased glare or halos, especially at night

What Causes Astigmatism?

There are two main types of astigmatism:

1. Corneal Astigmatism

This is the most common type. It occurs when the cornea (the clear, front surface of your eye) has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, it's shaped more like a football—curved more in one direction than the other.

2. Lenticular Astigmatism

This type is caused by an irregularly shaped lens inside the eye. It’s less common and often associated with aging.

Other Causes:

• Genetics: Often runs in families.

• Eye injuries or scarring.

• Eye diseases such as keratoconus, a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea.

• Excessive eye rubbing, which has been linked to keratoconus development.

How Astigmatism Affects Vision

When you have astigmatism, your vision doesn’t just become “a little blurry.” It can distort your entire field of view. Words on a page may appear to have shadows, lights may seem to stretch out at night, and it can feel like your eyes are never fully in focus—no matter how hard you try to squint.

Some patients with high astigmatism even report:

• Double vision

• Visual fatigue when reading

• Dizziness or balance issues due to blurred peripheral vision

How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?

Your eye doctor can diagnose astigmatism during a comprehensive eye exam using instruments like:

• Phoropter – for testing your refractive error

• Corneal topographer – maps the shape and curvature of your cornea, similar to how elevation maps show mountain peaks

If your prescription changes often, especially multiple times in a year, your optometrist might screen for keratoconus or other progressive corneal disorders.

Can Astigmatism Get Worse?

Yes, in some cases. While many people’s astigmatism remains stable for years, others may notice gradual changes due to:

• Aging

• Eye disease progression

• Poor visual habits (such as eye rubbing)

It’s important to get regular eye exams—typically once a year—to monitor changes in your vision.

Treatment Options for Astigmatism

Thankfully, there are several effective ways to correct astigmatism:

👓 Eyeglasses

• Most common and affordable option.

• Special cylindrical lenses help correct the uneven curvature of the cornea.

• Anti-reflective coating is highly recommended to reduce glare and improve clarity.

👁️ Contact Lenses

• Toric contact lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism.

• For high or irregular astigmatism, you may need:

  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses

  • Scleral lenses – larger lenses that vault over the cornea for more stable vision

🔍 Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

• Special hard lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.

• Useful for mild to moderate astigmatism and for people who don’t want to wear glasses during the day.

✨ LASIK and Other Refractive Surgeries

• Modern LASIK procedures can correct astigmatism in most cases.

• Alternatives include PRK, SMILE, and implantable contact lenses (ICLs).

• Not everyone is a candidate—consult your ophthalmologist for an evaluation.

Can You Prevent Astigmatism?

You can’t always prevent it, especially if it’s genetic. But you can protect your eye health:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes.

• Use protective eyewear to prevent trauma.

• Get regular eye exams, especially if you notice changes in your vision.

• Maintain proper screen habits to reduce eye strain.

FAQ About Astigmatism

Q: Can astigmatism go away on its own?
A: No, astigmatism doesn't usually go away without treatment, though some minor cases may not require correction.

Q: Does astigmatism get worse with screen time?
A: Digital strain doesn’t cause astigmatism, but it can exacerbate symptoms like eye fatigue and blurred vision.

Q: Can you wear contact lenses if you have astigmatism?
A: Yes, there are many types of contact lenses designed to correct astigmatism.

Q: Is LASIK safe for people with astigmatism?
A: Yes, but it depends on your corneal thickness, prescription stability, and overall eye health. A detailed evaluation is necessary.

Final Thoughts

Astigmatism is incredibly common—and treatable. Understanding how it affects your eyes empowers you to make better decisions for your vision health. Whether you choose glasses, contacts, or even surgery, working with your eye care professional is the key to clear, comfortable sight.