What is Astigmatism?

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that causes blurry vision. Similar to myopia (near-sightedness), astigmatism is a refractive error that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It’s believed that 1 in 3 people will have some degree of astigmatism, however, you are more likely to be at risk if there’s a family history. It can also usually occur alongside short and long sightedness.

What are the symptoms and causes of Astigmatism?

Similar to other refractive error conditions, astigmatism is when the cornea is mis-shapen. A lot of people with astigmatism may not even notice they have it. However, if you have moderate or severe astigmatism, you may need to visit your optician to find a solution for you.

The main symptom as we know is blurred vision, but there are a number of other symptoms to be aware of:

• Headaches

• Eye strain

• Light sensitivity 

• Night vision problems

Headaches and eye strain cause discomfort and can be corrected with the right glasses or contact lenses. Here at R Woodfall, we offer a range of lenses that are specifically designed to correct a refractive error such as astigmatism. 

We don’t know what causes astigmatism, but it is thought to be hereditary. If you have a family history of astigmatism then you may have it yourself. Astigmatism can be present from birth, but it can also be caused by an injury or after an eye surgery. 

Why does my astigmatism get worse at night?

At night time or in dimly lit places, your eyes dilate as they need more light. This dilation means that more light is entering the eye and so this influx can cause glares and halos, worsening the effects of astigmatism.

Have you ever been a passenger in a car at night and noticed that the street lights have become blurry and distorted into a line? This is a common example of how astigmatism affects night vision.

f you believe you have astigmatism, it’s important to check with your doctor if it is safe for you to drive at night.

Arrange an appointment with R Woodfall

If your astigmatism is getting in the way of your everyday life, or you simply wish to correct it, contact us today to arrange an appointment. We can help you receive the eyecare you need.

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