Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the cornea or lens of your eye has an irregular shape, causing light to refract improperly. This distortion can lead to a range of vision problems, making daily tasks like reading, driving, or even recognizing faces more challenging.

While astigmatism can affect anyone at any age, early detection is key to managing the condition effectively and maintaining good eye health. By recognizing the early symptoms, you can take proactive steps to correct your vision and prevent further complications.

Common Symptoms of Astigmatism

• Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is one of the most common symptoms of astigmatism. This blurriness can affect your ability to see clearly at any distance, making objects appear fuzzy or distorted.

• Difficulty Seeing At Any Distance

Unlike other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, which affect vision at specific distances, astigmatism can cause problems across the entire visual spectrum. You may struggle to see objects clearly, whether they are right in front of your nose or far away.

• Eye Strain or Discomfort

Astigmatism often forces your eyes to work harder to focus, leading to eye strain or discomfort. This sensation can feel like a never-ending ache or a sense of pressure in and around the eyes, especially after prolonged periods of concentration. Activities that require intense focus, such as reading, working on a computer, or driving, can worsen this discomfort.

• Feeling Tired Eyes

Constantly feeling like your eyes are tired, even after resting, is another common symptom of astigmatism. This fatigue results from the extra effort your eyes must exert to compensate for the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.

• Discomfort After Prolonged Reading or Screen Use

Many people with astigmatism experience discomfort or eye strain after spending extended periods of time reading or using digital devices. The continuous effort to focus on text or images can lead to a sense of tiredness, irritation, or even pain in the eyes.

• Headaches

Frequent headaches, particularly those that occur after periods of intense focus, are a common sign of astigmatism. These headaches often stem from the strain your eyes experience as they try to adjust to the irregular curvature.

• Difficulty Seeing at Night

Astigmatism can make night vision particularly problematic. The condition may cause lights to appear blurry or distorted, making it harder to see clearly in low-light conditions. This can be especially dangerous when driving at night.

• Glare and Halos Around Lights

Seeing glare or halos around lights, particularly at night, is another symptom of astigmatism. These visual disturbances occur because the irregular shape of the cornea or lens causes light to scatter, creating a halo effect around bright lights.

• Squinting

If you find yourself frequently squinting to see more clearly, it could be a sign that you have astigmatism. Squinting temporarily changes the shape of your eye, helping to reduce blurriness and improve focus. However, it’s not a long-term solution and can lead to increased eye strain and fatigue.

• Double Vision

In some cases, astigmatism can cause double vision, where you see two images of a single object. This can be particularly disorienting and may occur in one or both eyes.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you suspect you have astigmatism, the first step is to undergo a comprehensive eye screening. During this exam, your eye care professional will assess your vision and determine the extent of your astigmatism.

Once diagnosed, several treatment options are available to help correct your vision:

Corrective Lenses

The most common and straightforward treatment for astigmatism is the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses. These lenses are specially designed to counteract the irregular curvature of your cornea or lens, helping to refocus light properly onto the retina. 

At the Lasik Surgery Clinic, the implantable contact lens (ICL) procedure presents an innovative solution for treating severe cases of nearsightedness. Unlike traditional contact lenses, implantable contact lenses are implanted inside the eye, specifically behind the iris.

Refractive Procedures

For those seeking a more permanent solution, refractive procedures offer effective treatment options. These surgical methods reshape the cornea to correct the irregularities that cause astigmatism.

Here are a few popular refractive procedures:

SmartSight™

SmartSight™ is a minimally invasive lenticule extraction. It is an advanced femtosecond laser procedure, setting itself apart by eliminating the need for a corneal flap.

LASIK

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a fast and painless vision refraction treatment that reshapes the cornea to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

PRK

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a refraction procedure suited for individuals with thinner corneas or those ineligible for LASIK.

Each of these procedures has its own set of benefits and considerations, so it’s essential to discuss your options with a qualified eye care professional to determine the best treatment for your specific needs.

Advice for Eye Examination

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s highly recommended that you seek professional advice as soon as possible. A comprehensive eye evaluation at the Lasik Surgery Clinic will help determine if you have astigmatism and identify the most suitable treatment option for your needs. Regular eye exams are important not just for diagnosing conditions like astigmatism but also for monitoring your overall eye health and catching any potential issues early.

By recognizing the early symptoms and seeking professional care, you can take control of your eye health and ensure clear, comfortable vision for years to come. If you suspect you have astigmatism, don’t hesitate to book a consultation at the Lasik Surgery Clinic.