Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition—often occurring alongside other refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness

Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea or the lens of the eye has an irregular shape instead of being perfectly round. As a result, light does not focus evenly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision — both at distance and up close.

Symptoms

  • Blurred vision: vision can be blurred or hazy at both near and far distances.
  • Lights at night appear blurry
  • Severe and frequent headaches
  • Eye Fatigue

Risk factors

  • Hereditary
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Eye Trauma
  • Eye Surgeries
  • Conditions such as keratoconus

Diagnosis

  • Basic eye examination
  • Refraction measurement – determines how your eye bends light and identifies whether you have myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
  • Corneal topography – in more complex cases of astigmatism, a topographer is used to create a “map” of the cornea.

Treatment

At VISION, we offer modern solutions for correcting astigmatism, including:

  • Eyeglasses (cylindrical correction): these lenses compensate for the irregular surface of the cornea, providing clear focus
  • Toric contact lenses: special contact lenses that adapt to the shape of the eye and correct astigmatism
  • Laser vision correction: a permanent correction of astigmatism that reshapes the cornea and adjusts its refractive power, helping light focus properly onto the retina

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms (blurred vision, strong and frequent headaches, eye fatigue, frequent blinking) and suspect astigmatism, contact us for a full eye examination. Our experienced specialists will diagnose your condition and offer the most appropriate solution.

Prevention

Astigmatism is most often congenital and genetic, meaning people are born with this condition, so it cannot be prevented. Others develop it as children or teenagers.

  • Regular eye examinations can help detect the condition early and begin treatment to prevent vision worsening
  • Astigmatism sometimes appears after eye trauma
  • Limit screen time – it strains the eyes

Frequently Asked Questions

Astigmatism is very common; globally, one in three people has astigmatism. You can develop the condition at any point in your life. Some people are born with astigmatism. Others do not develop it until adulthood. It can improve or worsen over time.

Wearing glasses or contact lenses corrects your vision, but they do not change the shape of the eye. Vision correction surgery reshapes the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina. Astigmatism can also be reduced during cataract surgery.

Equipment

PlusoptiX - Pediatric Refractometer
PlusoptiX – Pediatric Refractometer

Safe, quick and comfortable eye testing for little ones

PlusoptiX - Pediatric Refractometer
Sirius - Topographer
Sirius – Topographer

A modern method for examining the corneal surface

Sirius - Topographer
Medmont Meridia™- Topographer
Medmont Meridia™- Topographer

This device is considered the gold standard in precision contact lens fitting

Medmont Meridia™- Topographer