Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects how your eye focuses light, often resulting in blurred or distorted vision. While many individuals live with mild astigmatism without noticeable issues, others experience significant changes that affect their daily lives.
Understanding the factors that cause astigmatism to worsen is key to managing your eye health and preventing potential complications. The causes behind progressive astigmatism vary from injury to aging and more, and knowing whether it can be reversed, and the available treatment options to restore clear, comfortable vision can help you plan your treatment journey.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Normally, the cornea and lens are round and evenly curved, allowing light to focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. However, in astigmatism, one or both structures are more oval-shaped, leading to light scattering and blurred images.
Astigmatism can be classified as:
- Corneal astigmatism – When the cornea is irregularly shaped.
- Lenticular astigmatism – When the lens has an uneven curvature.
The condition may appear on its own or with other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Astigmatism is typically detected during routine eye exams, where an optometrist measures the curvature of the cornea and lens. Treatment plans are then tailored to meet the individual’s specific vision needs.
Does Astigmatism Worsen Over Time?
Astigmatism can remain stable for years in some cases, while in others, it may progress gradually. Several contributing factors can exacerbate the severity of astigmatism. Monitoring these factors and maintaining regular eye exams can help detect changes early.
Factors Contributing to Worsening Astigmatism:
- Eye Strain: Prolonged activities such as reading, working on computers, or using digital screens can increase eye strain, making astigmatism-related symptoms more noticeable or uncomfortable.
- Aging: Aging can alter the shape of the cornea and lens, potentially increasing astigmatism. For example, conditions like presbyopia and cataracts that develop with age may contribute to changes in the eye’s refractive state.
- Eye Injuries or Surgeries: Trauma to the eye or complications from surgery (such as cataract extraction) may alter the natural shape of the cornea, leading to new or worsening astigmatism.
- Keratoconus: This progressive eye condition causes the cornea to thin and develop an increasingly cone-like shape, severely distorting vision. Keratoconus can significantly worsen astigmatism and requires specialized management.
- Eye Rubbing: frequent or vigorous eye rubbing can worsen astigmatism, especially over time.
- Genetics: Family history plays a role in some cases of astigmatism. If parents or siblings have progressive astigmatism or conditions such as keratoconus, there is an increased likelihood of development in other family members.
Can Astigmatism Be Reversed?
Astigmatism cannot be reversed naturally or corrected permanently through lifestyle changes. The condition results from the structural curvature of the cornea or lens, which cannot realign on its own. However, effective management options are available to correct distorted vision and prevent worsening symptoms.
Preventive Actions
While reversing astigmatism directly is not possible, you can take preventive measures to reduce risk factors:
- Limit screen time or adopt the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes during screen use).
- Protect your eyes with safety gear during sports or work that may expose your eyes to injury.
- Avoid eye rubbing by treating causative factors such as allergies or dry eyes.
- Maintain regular eye exams to detect and monitor progressive changes early.
How Is Astigmatism Treated?
Astigmatism treatment focuses on improving visual clarity and comfort through corrective lenses or medical procedures. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of astigmatism and patient preferences.
Corrective Lenses
- Glasses: Eyeglasses with specialized cylindrical lenses are commonly prescribed to correct astigmatism by compensating for the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
- Contact Lenses: Rigid gas-permeable or toric soft contact lenses are designed to address the unique needs of astigmatic eyes, offering a more natural field of vision than glasses.
Refractive Surgery
- LASIK: Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) reshapes the cornea to correct its curvature, providing long-lasting results. Not all individuals with astigmatism are candidates for LASIK, so consultation with an eye doctor is essential.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): A LASIK alternative that involves reshaping the cornea’s surface layer, offering similar corrective potential.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Non-surgical treatment involving specialty contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. While not a permanent solution, Ortho-K can reduce dependence on daytime glasses or contacts.
Managing Underlying Conditions
- If keratoconus or other eye conditions worsen astigmatism, tailored treatments such as corneal cross-linking may help prevent further progression.
Maintaining Clear Vision with Astigmatism
By understanding the factors that contribute to astigmatism’s progression, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their eye health. Whether you choose corrective lenses, refractive surgery, or regular check-ups, managing astigmatism effectively can lead to clearer, more comfortable vision.
If you’re experiencing vision changes or discomfort, schedule an appointment at Waterloo Vision Care Clinic today. Addressing astigmatism early ensures that you can enjoy optimal eye health and a higher quality of life.
