Astigmatism, a common refractive error, affects the sharpness of vision. It occurs when the cornea (the eye's clear front surface) or lens isn't perfectly spherical, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina. But can astigmatism get worse? The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors. While it often stabilizes in adulthood, it can worsen in some cases.
What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?
Several factors can contribute to the worsening of astigmatism:
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Growth and Development: Astigmatism is often present from birth or develops during childhood. During the growing years, the shape of the eye can change, potentially leading to an increase in astigmatism. This is especially true before puberty.
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Eye Injuries or Conditions: Traumatic eye injuries or certain eye conditions, like keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea), can cause the cornea to change shape, worsening astigmatism.
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Age-Related Changes: While astigmatism often stabilizes in adulthood, age-related changes in the eye's structure can sometimes lead to a slight increase in astigmatism.
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Underlying Medical Conditions: In some cases, underlying medical conditions can affect the shape of the eye and contribute to worsening astigmatism. These conditions should be discussed with an ophthalmologist.
How Can I Tell if My Astigmatism is Getting Worse?
Noticeable symptoms might include:
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Blurred Vision: A worsening of blurry vision, especially at certain distances or in specific lighting conditions, might indicate a change in your astigmatism.
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Eye Strain: Increased eye strain, headaches, or squinting, even when wearing corrective lenses, could signal a progression of astigmatism.
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Frequent Changes in Prescription: If you need more frequent adjustments to your eyeglasses or contact lenses, it could suggest a change in your refractive error.
What Happens if My Astigmatism Gets Worse?
If your astigmatism worsens significantly, it can lead to:
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Decreased Visual Acuity: Blurry vision at near and far distances can impair daily activities.
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Increased Eye Strain and Discomfort: Persistent eye strain and headaches can reduce your quality of life.
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Difficulty with Certain Tasks: Activities requiring sharp vision, such as driving, reading, or using a computer, become more challenging.
Does Astigmatism Always Get Worse?
No, astigmatism does not always get worse. In most cases, it stabilizes during adulthood. Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor any changes and ensure appropriate correction.
How Often Should I Have My Eyes Examined?
Regular eye exams are vital, especially for children and young adults whose eyes are still developing. The frequency of exams will depend on individual circumstances and your eye doctor's recommendations. However, generally, annual eye exams are recommended for adults, while children may need more frequent check-ups.
Can Astigmatism Be Corrected?
Yes, astigmatism is correctable. The most common methods include:
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Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses with cylindrical lenses correct the uneven focusing of light.
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Contact Lenses: Contact lenses offer a similar corrective effect as eyeglasses.
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Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK surgery can permanently correct astigmatism in many cases.
What are the Different Types of Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is classified into different types based on the orientation of the corneal curvature:
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With-the-rule astigmatism: This is the most common type, where the cornea is steeper in the vertical meridian.
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Against-the-rule astigmatism: In this type, the cornea is steeper in the horizontal meridian.
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Oblique astigmatism: This type involves a steeper curvature at an angle between the vertical and horizontal meridians.
It's important to consult with an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination to determine the type and severity of your astigmatism and discuss appropriate management options. Early detection and correction can prevent potential vision problems and improve your quality of life.
