do astigmatism get worse

2 min read 09-12-2024

Meta Description: Worried about your astigmatism worsening? This comprehensive guide explores whether astigmatism gets worse over time, its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies. Learn about risk factors, potential complications, and when to seek professional eye care. Discover how to protect your vision and maintain eye health. (158 characters)

Astigmatism is a common refractive error affecting the eye's shape. Instead of a perfectly round cornea (the front surface of your eye), astigmatism causes it to be more oval-shaped. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision. But does this condition worsen over time? Let's delve into the details.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs because of an irregularly shaped cornea or sometimes the lens within the eye. This irregularity causes light rays to bend unevenly, creating a blurred image. The severity of astigmatism is measured in diopters.

Types of Astigmatism

There are several types of astigmatism, categorized by the orientation of the corneal curvature:

With-the-rule astigmatism: The steeper curvature is vertical.
Against-the-rule astigmatism: The steeper curvature is horizontal.
Oblique astigmatism: The steeper curvature is at an oblique angle.

The type of astigmatism doesn't necessarily influence whether it worsens, but it does influence the type of corrective lenses needed.

Does Astigmatism Get Worse Over Time?

The simple answer is: sometimes. For many individuals, astigmatism stabilizes during adulthood. However, it can worsen in some cases, particularly during childhood and adolescence while the eye is still developing.

Factors that can influence whether astigmatism worsens:

Age: Astigmatism is more likely to change during childhood and adolescence. It tends to stabilize in adulthood.
Underlying Eye Conditions: Certain eye conditions, such as keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea), can cause astigmatism to worsen significantly.
Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eye can alter the cornea's shape and induce or worsen astigmatism.
Refractive Surgery: While refractive surgery can correct astigmatism, it can sometimes lead to changes in corneal shape over time, potentially inducing or worsening astigmatism.
Genetics: A family history of astigmatism might increase the likelihood of it changing over time.

When to See an Eye Doctor

It's crucial to schedule regular eye exams, especially for children and teenagers. Early detection allows for timely intervention and management of astigmatism, preventing potential vision problems. Contact your ophthalmologist if you experience:

Sudden blurry vision.
Eye strain or headaches.
Increased sensitivity to light.
Double vision.

How Astigmatism is Corrected

Several methods correct astigmatism, improving visual acuity:

Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses with cylindrical lenses correct the refractive error caused by astigmatism, focusing light rays properly onto the retina.
Contact Lenses: Similar to eyeglasses, contact lenses offer a correction for astigmatism. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed for astigmatism.
Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism.

Managing and Preventing Worsening Astigmatism

While you can't always prevent astigmatism from changing, maintaining good eye health is essential. This includes:

Regular Eye Exams: Schedule routine check-ups with your ophthalmologist. Early detection of changes in astigmatism enables prompt management.
Protection from Eye Injuries: Always wear protective eyewear during activities with a risk of eye injury (sports, construction, etc.).
Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy diet and lifestyle support overall eye health.

Conclusion

Whether or not astigmatism worsens depends on various factors. While it often stabilizes in adulthood, changes can occur, especially during childhood or due to underlying conditions. Regular eye exams and a proactive approach to eye health are crucial for managing astigmatism and preserving good vision. Remember to consult your eye care professional for personalized advice and management. Early detection and proper treatment are vital for maintaining optimal vision throughout your life. Don't hesitate to discuss any concerns about changes in your vision with your eye doctor.