what causes astigmatism to worsen

2 min read 24-12-2024

Astigmatism is a common refractive error affecting the eye's ability to focus light correctly. It's often present from birth but can also develop later in life. While astigmatism itself doesn't worsen in the sense of becoming a progressively more serious condition, its effects can change and appear more noticeable over time. Understanding these changes is crucial for managing the condition.

Understanding Astigmatism

Before diving into what might make astigmatism seem worse, let's briefly review the condition itself. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the eye's clear outer layer) or the lens isn't perfectly round. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing sharply on the retina, leading to blurry vision at all distances.

Factors That Can Make Astigmatism Seem Worse

While the underlying astigmatism itself usually doesn't progress, several factors can impact how it affects your vision, making it seem like the condition is worsening:

1. Age-Related Changes:

Eye Growth: In children, as the eye grows, the shape of the cornea can change. This can lead to noticeable changes in astigmatism during childhood and adolescence. Once eye growth is complete, these changes usually stabilize.
Lens Changes: The lens within the eye also changes with age, and these changes can affect how light focuses, potentially influencing astigmatism's effects. This is particularly true as we age into presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on nearby objects).

2. Corneal Conditions:

Keratoconus: This progressive eye disease causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, creating an increasingly irregular shape and significantly worsening astigmatism. It often requires specialized contact lenses or corneal transplants.
Corneal Scars: Injury or infection can cause scarring on the cornea, changing its shape and leading to increased astigmatism. The severity depends on the extent of the scarring.
Eye Surgery Complications: While refractive surgery like LASIK can correct astigmatism, complications can sometimes result in irregular corneal shape and worsen astigmatism.

3. Eye Strain and Fatigue:

While not directly causing the astigmatism to change, eye strain and fatigue can exacerbate its effects. Prolonged near-work activities, insufficient lighting, and lack of breaks can lead to blurred vision and eye discomfort, making astigmatism symptoms more prominent.

4. Uncorrected Refractive Errors:

Failing to correct existing astigmatism with appropriate glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery may not worsen the astigmatism itself but can certainly lead to eye strain, headaches, and a deterioration in visual acuity, making it feel like the condition is getting worse.

5. Underlying Medical Conditions:

Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can affect the eyes and sometimes lead to changes in corneal shape and increased astigmatism. Regular eye exams are essential for managing such conditions and detecting early signs of problems.

When to See an Eye Doctor

It's crucial to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams, especially if you notice any changes in your vision. This is particularly important for children and individuals with a family history of astigmatism or eye conditions. An eye doctor can accurately assess the condition, determine any underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatment to manage your astigmatism and maintain optimal vision.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with an ophthalmologist or optometrist for diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.