Astigmatism is a common eye problem that affects about 40% of adults worldwide. It happens when the cornea or lens is not shaped right. This leads to blurred vision at all distances.
If your vision is getting blurrier or your prescription is changing more often, you’re not alone. Understanding the causes of worsening astigmatism is key to keeping your eyes healthy.
At Liv Hospital, we stress the need for regular eye checks. Early detection can help avoid big problems in your daily life.
Key Takeaways
- Astigmatism is a common condition affecting 40% of adults worldwide.
- Irregularly shaped cornea or lens causes blurred vision.
- Regular eye examinations are key for spotting changes.
- Early action can stop big problems in your daily life.
- Knowing why astigmatism worsens is vital for eye health.
Understanding Astigmatism
About 40% of adults worldwide have astigmatism. This condition happens when the eye’s cornea or lens isn’t perfectly round. It causes blurry or distorted vision at all distances.
What Is Astigmatism and How Common Is It?
Astigmatism is different from nearsightedness and farsightedness. It distorts the shape of the cornea or lens, leading to irregular vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says it’s a common condition that often comes with other vision problems.
“Astigmatism can be hard to diagnose without a full eye exam,” says Medical Expert, a top ophthalmologist. “Many people don’t know they have it until their vision problems get bad.”
Recognizing Astigmatism Symptoms
Astigmatism can cause several symptoms, including:
- Distorted or blurry vision at all distances
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Headaches
- Halos or distortion in vision, specially at night
These symptoms can make daily tasks hard, like driving, reading, or using digital devices. If you’re seeing these signs, see an eye care expert for a detailed eye exam.
Knowing about astigmatism and its symptoms is the first step to managing it. It can greatly improve your life quality.
Why Is My Astigmatism Getting Worse?
It’s important to know why astigmatism gets worse. Astigmatism can get worse over time. This can happen due to aging, genetics, eye trauma, or certain eye conditions.
Natural Aging and Genetic Factors
As we get older, our cornea’s shape can change. This can make astigmatism worse, more so if you also have myopia. If your parents had astigmatism, you might get it too. And it might be worse.
Key Factors:
- Aging: Corneal shape changes over time
- Genetics: Hereditary influence on astigmatism severity
Eye Trauma and Surgical Complications
Eye injuries or surgery can change the cornea’s shape. This can make astigmatism worse. Sometimes, surgery complications can cause irregular astigmatism. This makes vision blurry.
– Eye Care Professional
Progressive Eye Conditions Like Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a disease where the cornea thins and bulges. It can make astigmatism worse and cause vision distortion. For more info, visit this resource.
Behavioral Factors That Worsen Astigmatism
Some behaviors can make astigmatism worse. For example, rubbing your eyes too much can change the cornea’s shape. It’s important to avoid this and see an eye doctor if your vision changes.
| Factor | Impact on Astigmatism |
| Excessive Eye Rubbing | Can alter corneal shape, worsening astigmatism |
| Poor Eye Care | Neglecting regular eye exams can lead to undiagnosed changes in astigmatism |
Knowing these factors can help manage astigmatism. Regular eye exams are key to tracking changes and adjusting treatments.
Effective Solutions for Worsening Astigmatism
Modern treatments for astigmatism aim to correct the refractive error. This improves visual clarity and eye health. If astigmatism worsens, it’s key to explore treatment options to find the best one.
Corrective Eyewear Options
Corrective eyewear, like eyeglasses, is a common and effective treatment for astigmatism. Prescription lenses can correct the irregular cornea or lens curvature. This improves vision. It’s important to consult an eye care professional to find the right prescription.
The benefits of corrective eyewear include:
- Ease of use and maintenance
- Customizable to individual prescriptions
- Non-invasive
For more information on corrective eyewear options, you can visit Medical organization’s Astigmatism Diagnosis and Treatment.
Advanced Contact Lens Solutions
For those who don’t like eyeglasses, contact lenses are a good alternative. Advanced contact lens technology can correct astigmatism more effectively. Toric lenses, for example, are made to correct the irregular curvature of astigmatism.
- Wide field of vision
- Comfort during various activities
- Customizable to correct astigmatism
Surgical Treatments and When to Consider Them
Surgical treatments like LASIK and PRK can correct astigmatism. These procedures reshape the cornea to improve focus. Surgical treatments are often considered when other options don’t work or are not suitable.
Talking to an eye care professional about the benefits and risks is essential. They can help decide if surgery is the right choice. Factors like the severity of astigmatism, eye health, and personal preferences are important in this decision.
Conclusion
Understanding why astigmatism gets worse is key to good astigmatism care. We’ve looked at how aging, eye injuries, and certain eye diseases can make astigmatism worse. Knowing these causes helps people take steps to manage their condition.
Regular eye exams are essential for tracking changes in astigmatism. They help adjust treatments as needed. This is critical for those who notice sudden vision changes, wondering if astigmatism can get worse suddenly or why did my astigmatism suddenly get worse. Early action can prevent vision problems.
Getting professional advice and keeping good eye health habits are vital. There are many ways to treat worsening astigmatism, like new glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. It’s important to talk to eye doctors to find the right treatment for managing astigmatism.
FAQ
What causes astigmatism to worsen over time?
Astigmatism can get worse due to aging, genetics, eye trauma, and eye conditions like keratoconus. Eye rubbing too much can also make it worse.
Can astigmatism get worse suddenly?
Astigmatism can change suddenly due to trauma, medical conditions, or surgery complications. If your vision changes suddenly, see an eye doctor right away.
How does natural aging affect astigmatism?
Aging can change the shape of the cornea or lens, making astigmatism worse. Regular eye exams help track these changes and adjust treatments.
Are there any behavioral factors that can worsen astigmatism?
Yes, rubbing your eyes too much can change the cornea’s shape, worsening astigmatism. It’s important to be careful with this habit and talk to an eye doctor if you’re worried.
What are the treatment options for worsening astigmatism?
Treatments include glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. The right treatment depends on how severe the astigmatism is and what you prefer. Always talk to an eye doctor to decide.
Can corrective eyewear correct astigmatism?
Yes, glasses or toric lenses can correct astigmatism by bending light right. The lenses are made to fit your specific needs.
How often should I have my eyes checked if I have astigmatism?
It’s important to get regular eye exams to track astigmatism changes. Adults should get their eyes checked every one to two years, or as their eye doctor suggests.
Is it possible to prevent astigmatism from worsening?
While you can’t change genetics, regular eye exams and avoiding eye rubbing can help. Protecting your eyes from injury is also key.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10720670/
