What is Astigmatism
What is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes, and How to Correct It
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes blurry or distorted vision. In this article, we’ll explore what astigmatism is, what causes it, the symptoms you may experience, and how it can be corrected effectively—especially with toric contact lenses.
1. What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is not evenly curved, which leads to light rays being improperly focused on the retina. A normal eye has a round shape like a basketball, while an eye with astigmatism has a more oval shape—like a football. This irregular shape causes light to scatter, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
2. Common Symptoms of Astigmatism
- Blurry or overlapping vision at all distances
- Difficulty focusing on both near and far objects
- Glare or halos around lights, especially at night
- Eye strain, headaches, and fatigue after reading or screen time
Note: Even if your vision is 20/20, astigmatism can still affect your visual clarity.
3. What Causes Astigmatism?
- Genetics: Most people are born with it
- Eye injury or disease: Conditions like keratoconus or trauma can distort the cornea
- Post-surgical changes: Refractive or cataract surgeries may induce astigmatism
“Astigmatism is common and very manageable. With early detection and the right corrective method, patients can regain comfortable, clear vision.”
— Dr. Hyunsoo Kim, Ophthalmologist, Seoul S Eye Clinic
4. How Can You Correct Astigmatism?
| Correction Method | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Eyeglasses | Affordable and easy to use | Peripheral distortion, limited design options |
| Toric Contact Lens | Clearer, wider field of vision; suitable for active lifestyles | Requires a precise fit (cylinder, axis, base curve) |
| Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK) | Permanent correction | Costly and not always suitable for all eye types |
5. Can You Wear Colored Contacts If You Have Astigmatism?
Yes! Thanks to advancements in lens design, you can now wear toric colored contact lenses that correct astigmatism while enhancing your eye color. With a wide range of options for axis, cylinder power, base curve, graphic diameter, and colors, you can enjoy both vision correction and fashion.
6. Conclusion
Astigmatism isn’t just about poor vision—it impacts your quality of life. With accurate diagnosis and tailored correction methods like toric lenses, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision again.
In the next article, we’ll explore how toric contact lenses work and why they’re ideal for correcting astigmatism.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a licensed eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.