Have you ever been driving at night and noticed the streetlights look blurry or distorted? If so, you might just be experiencing an indicator of astigmatism.
What is astigmatism and how does it happen?
To know how astigmatism happens, let’s begin with a basic definition of this prevalent eye condition.
According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology, astigmatism is “an imperfection in the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens.” To better understand what this means, first picture the human eye as naturally round—like a golf ball! This perfect sphere shape includes the matching alignment of your eye’s structures, like the cornea on the outside and the lens on the inside, which allows your sense of vision to work as intended.
However, if an eye starts to develop a more oval shape—from genetics, after an eye injury, or due to a disease—the curves of the cornea and lens can become mismatched. This affects how your eye processes images. According to the Mayo Clinic, astigmatism is a refractive error like myopia. Because the light rays entering the eye bend differently, two images form. When these images overlap, it causes blurred vision.
Astigmatism can be diagnosed in two primary forms: horizontal (an eye that is more wide than tall) or vertical (an eye that is more tall than wide). Both types of astigmatism cause blurry vision at varying distances.
How do I know if I have astigmatism?
If you've ever struggled with blurry streetlights or found nighttime driving particularly challenging, you could be exhibiting common symptoms of astigmatism.
According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology, individuals with astigmatism may also notice:
- General blurry vision or areas of distorted vision
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Squinting to try and see better
- Eye discomfort
If you’ve experienced or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to consult with an eye doctor for an evaluation.
What do I do if I have astigmatism?
An eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to assess both the internal and external structures of your eyes to determine if astigmatism is present. If found, your eye doctor may recommend corrective (although not permanent) solutions, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, to help enhance your vision.
For individuals looking for a more long-term solution, surgeries such as LASIK or Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Eye Surgery are another feasible option. These procedures are performed by a specially trained ophthalmologist and utilize advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea. A new rounded cornea ensures that light rays properly focus on the retina for clearer vision.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that you think may be astigmatism, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
