What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition where the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) has an irregular shape, causing blurred vision. With astigmatism, light focuses on more than one spot on the retina instead of a single clear focus. This results in distorted and blurry vision at all distances.
Astigmatism is typically caused by an asymmetry in the curvature of the cornea. A normal cornea is spherical in shape like a basketball. With astigmatism, the cornea is more oval or cylindrical shaped like a football. This irregular shape prevents light rays from focusing properly on the retina, which leads to blurred vision.
Astigmatism often develops in childhood and progresses slowly. Some people are born with astigmatism due to irregularities in the shape of the cornea. It may also develop later in life due to conditions like injury, infection, or surgery that alter the shape of the cornea. The exact cause is unknown in most cases of astigmatism.
Astigmatism affects people of all ages. An estimated 1 in 3 people in the United States have some degree of astigmatism. It tends to run in families and is equally common in males and females. Astigmatism often occurs along with other vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and presbyopia.
Symptoms of astigmatism
The main symptom of astigmatism is blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Other signs and symptoms may include:
– Headaches and eyestrain from squinting to see clearly
– Difficulty seeing details up close and far away
– Words on a page appear jumbled or overlapped
– Glare and halos around bright lights
– Squinting, tilting the head, or frequent blinking to focus vision
– Fatigue, tired eyes, or difficulty doing visual tasks
The degree of vision blurring depends on the amount of astigmatism. Mild cases may cause few symptoms, while severe astigmatism can significantly impair vision. Symptoms are usually most noticeable in low light conditions.
Astigmatism often develops gradually, so vision impairment may go unnoticed at first. Regular eye exams can detect astigmatism early before it impacts daily activities.
Should I wear glasses for astigmatism?
Glasses are the most common and effective treatment for astigmatism. Eyeglasses with astigmatism correction help refract light properly so it focuses clearly on the retina, reducing vision distortion.
Here are reasons why eyeglasses are recommended for managing astigmatism:
Glasses improve visual clarity
Glasses with cylindrical lenses are specially designed to compensate for the irregular curvature of the astigmatic cornea. This helps focus light more precisely on the retina and significantly improves blurred vision from astigmatism. Most people experience a dramatic improvement in visual acuity when they start wearing their astigmatism prescription glasses.
Glasses are convenient
Eyeglasses are portable, easy to use, and can be worn constantly to correct astigmatism. Unlike contact lenses which must be inserted and removed daily, glasses just need to be put on in the morning and taken off at night. Eyeglasses require little care and maintenance.
Glasses are affordable vision correction
Eyeglasses are typically the most economical option for correcting astigmatism. Prescription glasses start at around $100 or less for a basic pair, while astigmatism contact lenses often cost over $200 initially. Glasses don’t have recurring costs for solution and replacements like contacts do.
Glasses are safe and low-maintenance
Glasses don’t touch the eye, so there’s no risk of corneal abrasion, infection, or other complications like with contacts. Cleaning glasses involves simply wiping them with a cloth. There’s no need for disinfecting solutions or remembering to remove lenses at night.
Kids can wear glasses safely
Eyeglasses are the preferred treatment for astigmatism in infants and children. Glasses allow vision correction without touching the eye. Contacts are usually not recommended for children under 8 years old as they increase infection risk and require good compliance. Glasses are the safest vision correction option for kids.
Glasses help prevent lazy eye
Untreated astigmatism can cause amblyopia (lazy eye) in children if the brain ignores blurry vision from one eye. Wearing glasses ensures clear vision in both eyes to prevent lazy eye from developing.
Glasses are effective for mild to severe astigmatism
Eyeglasses work well for correcting all degrees of astigmatism from minor to high. Strength of the prescription can be adjusted as astigmatism changes over time. Contact lenses may not be suitable for very high astigmatism.
Glasses are recommended before considering surgery
For most people, glasses should be worn for at least a year before considering astigmatism surgery like LASIK or PRK. This confirms that the prescription is stable. Glasses are also required for several weeks after surgery until vision stabilizes.
When should glasses be worn for astigmatism?
Here are general guidelines from eye doctors on when to start wearing glasses for astigmatism:
Children
Glasses are recommended for children with astigmatism above 1.50 diopters. Correcting even low levels of astigmatism in children prevents amblyopia and helps visual development.
Adults under 40
Glasses should be worn if astigmatism is 1.00 diopter or higher in adults younger than 40. At this age, correcting astigmatism is recommended to prevent eyestrain and headaches.
Adults over 40
After age 40, glasses are advised for astigmatism above 0.75 diopters. Older eyes are more sensitive to smaller focusing errors, so correcting minimal astigmatism can improve vision and comfort.
Symptomatic astigmatism
Glasses should be worn if astigmatism is causing symptoms like chronic headaches, eye fatigue, or visual discomfort. Even if astigmatism measures below standard thresholds for correction, glasses often provide symptom relief.
Differences between glasses and contact lenses for astigmatism
Both eyeglasses and contact lenses can effectively correct astigmatism. Here’s how the two options compare:
Convenience
Glasses are more convenient since they don’t need to be inserted, cleaned, and removed daily. However, some people find contacts more convenient for sports and other active pursuits where glasses can get in the way.
Comfort
Most people find properly fitted glasses very comfortable for all-day wear. Contacts take some getting used to but are comfortable for many once acclimated. Some with severe astigmatism find glasses more comfortable than contacts.
Clarity of vision
Glasses and contacts provide comparably clear vision when prescriptions match. Glasses offer more stable vision quality, while contacts may move slightly on the eye affecting visual sharpness.
Field of vision
Contacts provide a wider, unobstructed field of view compared to eyeglass frames that block peripheral vision. However, newer glasses styles have thinner frames that maximize visual field.
Appearance
Contacts allow you to see without visible eyewear. Glasses are a more noticeable vision aid, but modern frame styles can complement your look.
Cost
Eyeglasses are more affordable both initially and over time with lower replacement costs. Contacts require frequent purchases of cleaning solution and new lenses.
Safety
Glasses are the safer option since they don’t touch the eyes. Contacts pose small risks like corneal abrasions and eye infections. Improper lens care also increases safety risks.
Finding the right glasses for astigmatism
Getting the proper eyeglasses prescription is key for clear vision with astigmatism. Here are tips for finding effective astigmatism glasses:
Get a professional eye exam
See an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose astigmatism and any other vision conditions. They will prescribe the correct lens power and axis needed to correct your degree of astigmatism.
Ask about high-index lenses
Thinner, lightweight high-index plastic or polycarbonate lenses are recommended to keep glasses comfortable with stronger astigmatism prescriptions. Avoid old-fashioned thick glass lenses.
Select large round or oval frames
Larger eyeglass frames give your eyes a wider viewing angle compared to small narrow frames. Round or oval frames don’t block vision at the edges like angular cat-eye frames.
Get anti-reflective coating
An anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare and eyestrain from light bouncing off the lenses, especially beneficial for night driving.
Consider prescription sunglasses
Sunglasses customized with your astigmatism prescription are convenient for protecting your eyes outdoors. They ensure you’re not straining to see in bright light.
Give yourself time to adjust
It can take a week or two to get used to progressive lenses or a new astigmatism prescription. Don’t give up too quickly and be patient adjusting to improved vision.
Astigmatism glasses options
There are a variety of eyeglass options tailored for correcting astigmatism. Common choices include:
Single vision lenses
Single vision lenses have the same prescription in the entire lens. They are ideal for correcting astigmatism along with nearsighted or farsightedness if needed.
Bifocals
Bifocals have separate prescriptions in the upper and lower sections of the lenses for distance and near vision. The astigmatism correction is included in both sections.
Trifocals
Trifocals have three lens sections for distance, intermediate, and near vision. Astigmatism correction is incorporated throughout the lenses.
Progressive lenses
Progressive lenses feature a gradient of increasing lens power from top to bottom. The astigmatism prescription is blended seamlessly at all ranges.
Computer glasses
Computer glasses help focus on digital screens 1 to 2 feet away. They can include astigmatism correction optimized for computer use.
Are there alternatives to eyeglasses for astigmatism?
Aside from prescription eyeglasses, other options to improve astigmatism include:
Contact lenses
Soft toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism. They may take some adjustment to get used to. Contacts aren’t usually recommended for children.
Refractive surgery
Procedures like LASIK use lasers to reshape the cornea and reduce astigmatism. Surgery may lower dependence on glasses but doesn’t always eliminate the need for them.
Orthokeratology
Special rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea and improve vision during the day. This avoids daytime eyewear.
Phakic IOLs
Surgically implanted lenses inside the eye called phakic IOLs can correct astigmatism. This option involves more risks than glasses or contacts.
For most people with stable astigmatism, properly fitted eyeglasses remain the overall best choice for clear, comfortable vision correction.
Conclusion
Eyeglasses are the most widely recommended treatment for correcting astigmatism. Glasses improve blurred vision from an irregularly shaped cornea that prevents light from focusing properly. They provide safe, convenient, and affordable vision correction.
Prescription eyeglasses tailored to your degree of astigmatism significantly improve visual sharpness and comfort. They reduce eye strain and headaches associated with uncorrected astigmatism. Glasses are considered safe for all ages and effective for mild to high astigmatism.
Wearing glasses for astigmatism is advised if your prescription measures above 0.75 to 1.00 diopters depending on your age. Children may benefit from glasses at under 1.00 diopters to aid visual development. Discuss your astigmatism severity with an eye doctor to determine if and when you should start wearing prescription glasses.