Astigmatism: what it is, symptoms, test and treatment

Astigmatism is an eye problem in which a person has difficulty seeing correctly, making objects appear blurry or distorted and can make tasks such as reading and driving difficult.

This change is normally caused by an abnormal shape of the cornea or lens, causing light rays to reach the retina in different locations, impairing image formation in the eye.

If astigmatism is suspected, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may involve the use of glasses or contact lenses, depending on the degree of astigmatism identified by the doctor, and surgery.

Symptoms of astigmatism

The main symptoms of astigmatism are:

• Blurry vision;
• See distorted objects;
• Dry or watery eyes;
• Tiredness or heaviness in the eyes;
• Sore or itchy eyes;
• Discomfort in vision in bright environments;
• Headache.

Due to difficulty seeing, the person may need to bring objects closer to their eyes to see more clearly and have difficulty performing some tasks, such as reading or driving a vehicle, especially at night or in the rain.

Furthermore, symptoms tend to worsen after long periods of reading or using screens, such as computers or cell phones.

Astigmatism in children

Astigmatism in children can cause reading difficulties and impair learning, and it is also common for children to frequently bring objects close to their eyes, have complaints at school about bad behavior, poor grades or lack of attention.

Difference between hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism

Astigmatism generally causes blurred vision regardless of the distance to objects. In myopia, the difficulty in seeing only occurs with distant objects, which is different from hyperopia, in which the difficulty arises only when it is necessary to see up close. Learn more about the differences between hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism.

What is the vision like for people with myopia and astigmatism together?

Those who have myopia and astigmatism together may have difficulty seeing objects, even close ones. Additionally, vision may also be worse at a distance compared to people who only have myopia.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of astigmatism is confirmed by the ophthalmologist through an ophthalmological examination, where the doctor assesses the person’s ability to distinguish objects, letters, numbers and lines. Find out when an ophthalmological exam is indicated.

Astigmatism Test at Home

A test for astigmatism that can be done at home is to look at the image below with one eye at a time, while one is closed and the other is open.

Furthermore, it is important that the test is carried out at various distances, up to a maximum of 6 meters, to identify at what distance astigmatism affects vision.

In case of astigmatism, the person tends to perceive changes in the image, such as lines that are lighter than others or crooked lines, while a person with normal vision should see all lines of the same size, color and with the same distance between them.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of astigmatism is normally done with the use of corrective lenses, through glasses or contact lenses, according to the person’s degree of astigmatism identified by the ophthalmologist.

Furthermore, the degree of astigmatism may change over time, requiring new glasses or contact lenses, and sometimes surgery for astigmatism may also be indicated.

Surgery for astigmatism

Surgery for astigmatism may sometimes be indicated to reduce difficulty seeing, especially in more severe cases or when a more definitive result is desired, and can be performed using a laser. See how surgery for astigmatism is performed.

Is astigmatism curable?

Astigmatism has no cure, however, it can be treated with the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses and contact lenses. In addition, surgery for astigmatism may also sometimes be indicated, especially when a more definitive vision correction is desired.