Understanding astigmatism: causes, symptoms, and treatment
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Astigmatism is a common and treatable vision condition that affects how clearly you see. It happens when the front surface of the eye or the lens inside the eye is not perfectly round. As a result, light doesn’t focus properly and vision can appear blurry or distorted.
The great news? With the right diagnosis and treatment, most people with astigmatism can achieve clear, comfortable vision.
What does astigmatism do to your eyes?
When the eye’s shape is irregular, it has to work harder to focus. Over time, this extra effort can lead to discomfort, including:
Eye strain or fatigue
Squinting to see clearly
Headaches, especially after reading or screen use
Many people don’t realize these symptoms are related to their vision until they get an eye exam.
What does astigmatism do to your vision?
Astigmatism can make objects look blurred, stretched, or slightly shadowed. Symptoms can be mild or more noticeable, and they may change over time. You may notice:
Blurry vision at both near and far distances
Difficulty seeing clearly at night
Trouble focusing on fine details
Shadowed Images
Visual discomfort during prolonged tasks
RISK FACTORS
Astigmatism is very common and is often starts in early childhood. It can develop due to:
Eye injury or eye disease
Genetics (it can run in families)
Previous eye surgery
Eye rubbing
How do I know if I have astigmatism?
The only way to know for sure is with a comprehensive eye exam. Some people experience symptoms, while others, including children, may not realize their vision is blurred.
Regular eye exams are especially important for children, as untreated astigmatism can affect learning, reading, and visual development.
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How is astigmatism treated?
Astigmatism is highly manageable. Treatment options may include:
Eyeglasses
customized to your prescription
Contact lenses
designed specifically for astigmatism
exactFit driving lenses
reduce glare and improve contrast in low light conditions
The best option depends on your vision needs, lifestyle, and eye health. Your optometrist will help guide that decision.
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If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to book an eye exam.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD CLEARER VISION
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