What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism, also known as a refractive error, is a common vision condition that occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. This asymmetrical curvature causes light to bend unevenly as it enters the eye, preventing it from focusing properly on the retina. As a result, vision becomes blurry or distorted at any distance.

What The Studies Show

Research estimates that approximately 30 to 40% of the worldwide population experiences some degree of astigmatism. This percentage varies depending on factors such as age group and geographic region, with the condition tending to be more prevalent among children and teenagers than adults. It’s also important to note that astigmatism often occurs alongside other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

What Causes Astigmatism?

There are a variety of causes for astigmatism, ranging from genetic factors to external influences. In most cases, astigmatism is inherited from one or both parents; in others, the irregularity may stem from the internal lens of the eye rather than the cornea itself.

External factors can also contribute to astigmatism: eye injuries, surgical procedures, or medical conditions like keratoconus (the progressive thinning of the cornea) can alter its shape, leading to worsening astigmatism.

The good news is that astigmatism is relatively easy to manage with the right solutions, so it’s important to schedule annual eye tests that are performed by experienced professionals to ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

How Does Astigmatism Present Itself?

Not all people experience astigmatism the same, with symptoms varying from one person to another.

Some of the most common signs include blurry or distorted vision at different distances, difficulty reading or focusing for extended periods of time, recurring headaches from eye strain, and eye fatigue or discomfort, especially when using digital screens or driving at night.

Because symptoms differ, each person may need a tailored solution. For example, specialized driving lenses are the perfect fit for those who spend long hours on the road, while blue-light-protective lenses may be more suitable for those who spend hours in front of the screen.

How Is It Diagnosed?

By conducting a comprehensive eye exam, optometrists can spot astigmatism through vision tests to assess clarity and sharpness, refraction tests to measure how light bends in the eye, and corneal curvature assessments to determine the degree of irregularity.

At MAGRABi, we use the latest advanced technology to conduct thorough and precise eye tests, ensuring accurate diagnoses and customized lens recommendations.

How Is Astigmatism Treated?

There are several solutions for astigmatism, depending on your individual needs and preferences:

Prescription glasses, which are fitted with specially designed optical lenses that compensate for irregular light refraction while simultaneously offering additional protection against eye strain, blue light, and glare.

Many people, on the other hand, prefer contact lenses because of their practicality and wider fields of vision. Contact lenses come in soft or rigid form, specifically designed for astigmatism.

For those who want to rid themselves of both glasses and contact lenses, opting instead for a long-term solution, laser eye surgery is the solution. Procedures such as LASIK or PRK have become a safe and widely practiced option, reshaping the cornea to correct vision permanently.

Astigmatism is a very common condition, and advancements in optometry have allowed for simple and easily-managed solutions. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, you can consult with our team of experts, who will offer you the proper diagnosis and personalized treatment solution.

You can book your eye test at your nearest MAGRABi store or online and start your eye care journey today!