What is Astigmatism: The Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatments

Astigmatism is a prevalent vision problem among city dwellers. Although most everyone has some degree of astigmatism, many are confused about the symptoms and causes of astigmatism. Let’s get to know more about this condition in the article below.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common and generally treatable imperfection in the curvature of your eye that causes blurred distance and near vision. It occurs when either the front surface of your cornea or the lens has mismatched curves. Instead of having one curve like a round ball, the surface is egg-shaped. It causes blurred vision at all distances.

Types of Astigmatism

The two main types of astigmatism are regular and irregular.

• Regular astigmatism: Irregular cornea or lens curvature of the eye causes regular astigmatism. There is a consecutive variation in the refractive power from one meridian to another. Each meridian in the regular astigmatic eye has a uniform curvature at every point across the entrance of the pupil.
• Irregular astigmatism: In this type, the curvature at each meridian is not uniform but changes from one point to another across the entrance of the pupil. It is seen in patients with an irregular corneal surface that occurs either due to natural causes or are causes that are surgically induced.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

The symptoms of astigmatism may differ in each person, but blurry and distorted vision is commonly observed in most cases. In general, the symptoms include:

• Blurry, distorted, or fuzzy vision at all distances (up close and far away)
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Eyestrain
• Squinting
• Eye irritation
• Headaches

Are There Any Complications of Astigmatism?

Headaches are one of the complications caused by blurry and distorted vision. A lazy eye, also called amblyopia, can occur in the long run if astigmatism in one eye is not corrected.

Diagnosis of Astigmatism

If you experienced the symptoms below, you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a thorough check-up.

You could make use of this simple online eye test for self-examination, but please consult the specialists if further diagnosis is needed.

Causes of Astigmatism

Scientists still have not found out what causes astigmatism. It is believed that genetics is a core factor, but astigmatism may also develop late in life. Besides, it may occur as a result of an injury to the eye or after eye surgery. Astigmatism often occurs with shortsightedness or longsightedness.

Who Is At Risk For Astigmatism?

Astigmatism can occur in children and adults. Your risk of developing astigmatism may be higher if you have any of the following:

• A family history of astigmatism or other eye disorders, such as keratoconus (degeneration of the cornea)
• Scarring or thinning of your cornea
• Excessive shortsightedness, which creates blurry vision at a distance
• Excessive longsightedness, which makes blurry close-up vision
• A history of certain types of eye surgery, such as cataract surgery

Treatments for Astigmatism

Mild cases of astigmatism may not require treatment. Your doctor may treat astigmatism that causes vision problems by using one of the following methods.

• Corrective lenses: Eyeglasses are made with lenses that help compensate for the uneven shape of your eye. The lenses make the light bend into your eye properly.
• Contact lenses: Like eyeglasses, contact lenses can correct most astigmatism. They are available in various types and styles, including disposable soft, extended-wear, rigid, gas permeable and bifocal.
• Laser vision correction: LASIK and SMILE have long been two of the most popular laser vision correction surgeries for people with astigmatism.

Fees of Laser Correction Services: Private Hospitals and Orthopedic Centres

Some private hospitals and orthopaedic centres only provide one correction service charged from HK$16,000 to 28,500 with 4-5 check-ups. You can refer to the table below for more detailed prices.

^*Prices as of 3rd May 2021

Note: The above prices are for reference only. For detailed pricing, please contact the respective organisations.

Prevention Tips for Astigmatism

Although genetics is a significant factor of astigmatism, adopting a few easy habits can preserve your vision and decrease your odds of developing eye problems in the future. You could refer to the eye care tips below to take care of your vision.

1. When using a computer or electronic products
   • "20-20-20": Look away from your screen every 20 minutes to a distant object at least 20 feet (6 m) away, for at least 20 seconds.
   • Suitable setup: When using computers, the monitor should be set 4 to 5 inches below your eye level.
2. When reading or doing paperwork
   • Adequate lighting: Use ceiling lights when reading. Lighting should be even and bright without excessive glare.
   • Suitable distance: Keep a distance of at least 30cm between the eyes and the books.
   • Do not lie down while reading: Do not read lying in bed as you may move the book closer and closer to the eyes without noticing it.
3. Others
   • Blink often: Blinking helps reduce evaporation of the tear film and moistens your eyes. Experts suggest blinking 16-20 times every minute as normal frequency.
   • Eye exercises: Simple eye exercises can increase blood circulation and release muscle tension to the eye area. Understand more about five-minute eye massage here.

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