Have you ever felt like your vision isn’t clear—like the world looks a bit blurry or distorted, especially when trying to read road signs or look at screens for too long? You might have astigmatism (散光）, and don’t worry—it’s more common than you think.
Astigmatism is not a disease. It’s a type of refractive error, just like nearsightedness or farsightedness. The good news? It can be corrected easily. In this article, we will talk about what astigmatism is, what causes it, common symptoms to look out for, and the treatment options available for you or your loved ones.
Let’s break it down, step-by-step.
What is Astigmatism (散光)?
In simple words, astigmatism happens when your eye’s shape isn’t perfectly round.
A normal eye is shaped like a basketball. Light enters the eye and bends evenly to focus on one sharp point on the retina (the back of your eye). But in someone with astigmatism, the eye is shaped more like a rugby ball or an egg. Because of this uneven shape, light doesn’t bend evenly. Instead, it focuses on multiple points—either in front of or behind the retina. That’s why things may look blurry, wavy, or stretched out.
Astigmatism can happen in both children and adults. You can be born with it, or it may develop over time. Sometimes it comes along with other refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness).
Causes of Astigmatism (散光）
So why do some people get astigmatism and others don’t?
Let’s take a look at some of the common causes:
1. Genetics
Astigmatism can run in families. If your parents have it, there’s a higher chance that you or your children might have it too.
2. Irregular Shape of the Cornea
The cornea is the clear front layer of your eye. If it’s not evenly curved, it will bend light unevenly—leading to astigmatism. This type is called corneal astigmatism and is the most common type.
3. Irregular Shape of the Lens
In some cases, the lens (which is inside the eye) has an uneven curvature. This is known as lenticular astigmatism. Both corneal and lenticular astigmatism can cause similar blurry or distorted vision.
4. Eye Injuries or Surgery
Sometimes, eye injuries or surgeries (like cataract surgery) can change the shape of your cornea or lens, leading to astigmatism.
5. Keratoconus
This is a rare condition where the cornea becomes thinner and more cone-shaped over time. It can cause severe astigmatism that may need special treatment like contact lenses or surgery.
Symptoms of Astigmatism (散光）
How do you know if you have astigmatism? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Blurry or distorted vision (both near and far)
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches, especially after reading or using screens
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Squinting to see more clearly
- Double vision in some cases
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked by an optometrist. Children especially may not know how to describe blurry vision. They might just avoid reading, rub their eyes often, or struggle in school without knowing why.
How is Astigmatism (散光) Diagnosed?
Astigmatism is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Here’s what you can expect during the check-up:
1. Visual Acuity Test
This is the familiar eye chart with letters of different sizes. It checks how clearly you can see at various distances.
2. Refraction Test
The optometrist will use a machine called a phoropter to find your correct glasses power. You’ll look through different lenses and tell the optometrist which ones make your vision clearer.
3. Keratometry
This measures the curve of your cornea to see if it’s evenly shaped.
4. Cornea Topography
This gives a detailed map of your cornea’s surface and is useful for detecting conditions like keratoconus.
Getting your eyes checked regularly is important—even if you don’t wear glasses—because vision can change over time without you noticing.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism (散光）
The good news is that astigmatism can be treated. The goal is to bend the light properly so it focuses on a single point on the retina. Let’s explore your options:
1. Glasses
This is the simplest and most common way to correct astigmatism. Special lenses are made to compensate for the uneven curvature of your eyes. It’s comfortable and safe, especially for children.
2. Contact Lenses
There are contact lenses specially designed for astigmatism. These are called toric lenses. They come in soft, rigid gas-permeable (RGP), or hybrid materials. Your optometrist will help you choose the right type based on your lifestyle and eye shape.
3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
These are special contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. In the morning, you remove them and enjoy clear vision throughout the day—without glasses or contacts.
Ortho-K is suitable for certain cases of low to moderate astigmatism and is popular among active people and children.
4. Refractive Surgery
Procedures like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea permanently. This is an option for adults who want to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. However, not everyone is a candidate. Your optometrist will check your eye health and corneal thickness before recommending surgery.
5. Special Lenses after Cataract Surgery
For those with cataracts and astigmatism, toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) can be implanted during cataract surgery to correct both problems at once.
Final Thoughts
Astigmatism is common and nothing to fear. Whether you or your child are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait too long. A simple eye exam can make a big difference in your daily comfort and long-term vision.
Book Your Eye Check Today
If you or your loved one are experiencing blurry vision, headaches, or eye discomfort—don’t ignore the signs. Get your eyes checked by our friendly optometrists today. We’ll assess your eyes thoroughly and help you choose the best solution tailored for you.
Book your appointment now at United Eyecare:
United Optometrist @ Square 2 (Novena MRT🚇)
⏰ Mon-Sun 11.30am – 8pm
📲 WhatsApp us
📞 63976885
United Eyecare @ Boon Keng MRT🚇
⏰ Mon-Sun 10.30am – 7.30pm
📲 WhatsApp us
📞 62978298
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