What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen? Key Facts to Know

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that can blur or distort vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. While often manageable with corrective lenses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, astigmatism can gradually worsen if left unchecked. Understanding the factors that contribute to worsening astigmatism, including the various causes astigmatism to worsen astigmatism, is essential to preserving healthy vision and minimizing complications. Whether caused by age, lifestyle habits, or underlying conditions, many factors that affect the cornea’s shape can impact the severity of astigmatism over time.

Key Takeaway

Wondering what causes astigmatism to worsen? Several factors can lead to changes in your cornea or lens that increase visual distortion:

• Genetics and age-related changes can gradually reshape the eye and increase astigmatism severity.
• Keratoconus, a progressive eye disease, causes the cornea to thin and bulge, worsening vision.
• Eye injuries, previous surgeries, and unmanaged refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia can also contribute.
• Environmental stressors such as prolonged screen use, UV exposure, or dry air may exacerbate symptoms.

Preventing progression starts with regular eye exams, consistent use of corrective lenses, and avoiding habits like rubbing your eyes. With early detection and proactive care, astigmatism can be managed effectively, helping you see more clearly for years to come.

At Speksy, we’re here to support that clarity with expertly crafted eyewear tailored for astigmatism and everyday life.

Introduction to Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular shape, preventing light rays from focusing properly on the retina. Instead of a smooth, round surface, the cornea may resemble a football shape, resulting in uneven focus. This creates blurry or distorted vision at all distances, which is are common astigmatism. Astigmatism can occur on its own or alongside other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Common symptoms of astigmatism include:

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Eye strain or discomfort
• Headaches after prolonged visual tasks
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night

It can develop at any age, and early diagnosis is key to preventing worsening symptoms. Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting astigmatism early and maintaining visual clarity.

Astigmatism Diagnosis and Treatment

Astigmatism is typically diagnosed by an eye doctor during a comprehensive eye exam. This process includes a visual acuity test and a refraction test to measure how light enters the eye. The doctor may also use a keratometer to examine the curvature of the cornea and identify irregularities.

Once diagnosed, treatment options depend on the severity and type of astigmatism:

• Corrective lenses (eyeglasses) are often prescribed to help light focus properly on the retina.
• Contact lenses, including toric lenses, are specially designed for irregular corneas.
• Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, reshapes the cornea to improve light refraction.

Early intervention is essential. Unmanaged astigmatism can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially affect quality of life. A tailored treatment plan from an eye doctor, which may include eye surgery, helps ensure long-term vision correction and healthy eye function.

What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?

Astigmatism may worsen over time due to a variety of natural, environmental, and health-related factors. These influences can affect the structure of the cornea or lens, leading to more pronounced refractive errors and decreased visual clarity.

Some common causes include:

• Genetics: A family history of astigmatism or other refractive errors increases the likelihood of developing or worsening astigmatism.
• Natural aging process: As we age, the shape of the cornea and lens can change, often becoming less flexible and more irregular.
• Eye injuries or surgeries: Trauma to the eye or previous surgeries can alter the cornea’s shape, exacerbating astigmatism.
• Underlying conditions: Diseases such as keratoconus cause the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, significantly worsening astigmatism.
• Unmanaged refractive errors: Leaving conditions like myopia or hyperopia untreated can strain the eyes and worsen astigmatism.

Regular eye exams are the best way to monitor these changes and ensure astigmatism doesn’t silently progress, in addition to wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Astigmatism Treatment Options

Correcting astigmatism involves strategies that address both the symptom (blurred or distorted vision) and the root cause (corneal or lens irregularity). An eye doctor will recommend treatments based on the degree of astigmatism, lifestyle needs, and eye health history.

Primary treatment options include:

• Wearing glasses: Standard or specialized lenses can help redirect light for clearer vision.
• Contact lenses: Toric or rigid gas-permeable lenses may offer better correction for irregular corneas.
• Refractive surgery: Procedures like LASIK, SMILE, or PRK use lasers to reshape the cornea for long-term improvement.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea to reduce reliance on glasses during the day.

Choosing the right treatment helps control progression, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall eye health.

Achieving Clearer Vision

Achieving a clearer vision with astigmatism is not just about wearing the right glasses or undergoing surgery; it requires ongoing eye care. Long-term management can significantly reduce the risk of worsening vision and maintain optimal visual clarity.

To maintain a clearer vision:

• Follow prescribed treatments: Wear corrective lenses consistently and follow any post-surgery guidelines.
• Attend regular check-ups: Frequent visits to your eye doctor can catch changes early.
• Avoid eye strain: Take breaks from screens and reading, and practice the 20-20-20 rule.
• Use proper lighting: Dim or overly bright environments can stress your eyes and exacerbate symptoms.

With the right care, even individuals with moderate to severe astigmatism can enjoy improved vision and quality of life.

Astigmatism Treatment and Management

Beyond initial treatment, managing astigmatism involves preventing progression through lifestyle choices, environmental awareness, and proper eye care habits. Many patients experience relief and stability when they actively participate in their eye health.

Management strategies include:

• Routine eye exams to track vision changes and adjust prescriptions
• Avoiding excessive eye pressure, such as from rubbing your eyes
• Wearing UV-protective eyewear to shield eyes from sun damage
• Using artificial tears to keep the eyes moist and comfortable
• Limiting screen time or using blue light filters to reduce digital eye strain

Proactive management minimizes the impact of worsening astigmatism and supports long-term vision correction.

Keratoconus and Astigmatism

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone shape, which can complicate how astigmatism is diagnosed. This severely alters the way light enters the eye, leading to worsening astigmatism that may not respond well to traditional corrective lenses.

Signs of keratoconus include:

• Rapidly changing eyeglass prescriptions
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Difficulty seeing clearly with glasses alone

In advanced cases, specialized contact lenses or surgical interventions such as corneal cross-linking or corneal implants may be required. Early detection and treatment of keratoconus are key to preventing severe vision problems.

Genetic Predisposition to Astigmatism

A family history of astigmatism or other refractive errors significantly increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Genetic factors influence the cornea’s shape and flexibility, making it more prone to irregularities, particularly in cases of mild astigmatism.

While you can’t change your genetics, you can:

• Start regular eye exams early in life
• Monitor for changes in vision, especially during childhood or adolescence
• Work with an eye care provider to create a long-term vision management plan

Being proactive with your eye health can help offset the impact of inherited tendencies.

Age-Related Changes and Astigmatism

As you age, natural changes in the cornea and lens can lead to worsening astigmatism. The lens inside the eye may become stiffer and less transparent, contributing to blurry or distorted vision.

In older adults, the following factors often come into play:

• Development of cataracts, which may shift the eye’s refraction
• Loss of corneal elasticity
• Changes in eyelid pressure or tear film stability

Older adults should maintain regular visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist, especially if vision begins to change rapidly or glasses stop being effective.

Unmanaged Refractive Errors

Refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia, when left untreated, can strain the eyes and contribute to potentially worsening astigmatism. The added stress on the visual system may lead to more rapid changes in corneal shape.

To prevent exacerbation:

• Correct existing refractive errors as early as possible
• Avoid prolonged periods of uncorrected visual effort
• Check prescriptions regularly to ensure they match current needs

Addressing all vision problems holistically helps stabilize existing astigmatism and improves visual comfort.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams play a critical role in detecting and managing astigmatism before it worsens. These appointments allow your eye doctor to spot subtle changes in your vision, track the shape of your cornea, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Staying proactive helps prevent complications and supports long-term eye health.

Key benefits of routine eye exams include:

• Early detection of refractive changes, such as increased astigmatism or new vision symptoms
• Monitoring for serious eye conditions, including keratoconus and cataracts
• Timely updates to your corrective lens prescription to ensure optimal visual clarity

Most individuals benefit from annual or biannual exams, especially those with existing astigmatism, a family history of eye conditions, or recent vision changes. Regular checkups help keep your vision sharp and your eyes healthy at every stage of life.

Astigmatism and Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can influence eye health and may contribute to worsening astigmatism symptoms. Prolonged exposure to screens, UV light, or dry environments can place added stress on the eyes.

To manage these risks:

• Use UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
• Maintain humidity indoors to prevent dry eyes
• Take regular breaks during digital tasks (20-20-20 rule)
• Use artificial tears when needed

Being mindful of your surroundings can help reduce the impact of environmental stressors on your visual system.

Conclusion

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that can gradually worsen due to genetics, aging, lifestyle, or underlying eye conditions. By understanding what causes astigmatism to worsen, individuals can take proactive steps to preserve their vision. Regular eye exams, proper treatment, and healthy visual habits play a vital role in maintaining long-term visual clarity and eye health.

At Speksy, we help you manage astigmatism with eyewear that combines clarity, comfort, and style. Whether you need prescription glasses, specialized lenses, or guidance on finding the right fit, our expert-backed selection is designed to support your unique vision needs. Every pair is crafted for precision and everyday wear, so you can see clearly and live confidently. Connect with us today for personalized eyewear recommendations that address astigmatism and elevate your look.

FAQs

How can I stop my astigmatism from getting worse?

To prevent your astigmatism from worsening, schedule regular eye exams, wear your prescribed corrective lenses consistently, and avoid habits like rubbing your eyes. Managing underlying conditions, limiting screen time, and avoiding rubbing your eyes can also support eye health.

What causes a sudden increase in astigmatism?

A sudden change in astigmatism may be caused by corneal conditions such as keratoconus, eye injury, or complications following eye surgery. It’s important to consult an eye doctor immediately if vision suddenly worsens.

What should you avoid if you have astigmatism?

Avoid actions that strain or irritate your eyes, such as rubbing them frequently, using poor lighting, or staring at screens without breaks. Also, skipping regular eye exams may allow changes to go unnoticed.

Can a phone cause astigmatism?

Phones don’t directly cause astigmatism, but extended screen use can worsen symptoms like eye strain, blurred vision, and discomfort. Taking breaks and using screen filters can help reduce these effects.

 

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