Seeing is Believing: How Astigmatism Alters the Way We Perceive Light

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, causing light to enter the eye at different angles and leading to distorted or blurred vision. 

While many people with astigmatism may not realise they have the condition, it can significantly impact their daily lives, making it difficult to perform tasks like reading or driving. 

In this blog post, we'll explore how astigmatism alters the way we perceive light, the common visual disturbances associated with the condition, and the options available for correcting astigmatism.

First, let’s understand astigmatism

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error affecting how light enters the eye, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Unlike myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), in astigmatic eyes, light is focused differently depending on the orientation of the cornea.

For example, if the cornea is oval-shaped, light may be focused more in one direction than another, resulting in distorted or blurry vision in that direction.

Types of astigmatism

There are two types of astigmatism: corneal and lenticular astigmatism. However, astigmatism can occur in conjunction with other eye conditions. 

Astigmatism Symptoms

• Blurry or distorted vision, especially at night or in low-light conditions
• Eye strain, headaches, or discomfort when focusing on objects
• Difficulty seeing fine details or reading small print
• Squinting or tilting head to see clearly
• Double Vision

How does astigmatism affect light?

Astigmatism affects how light enters the eye. In a normal eye, light rays pass through a clear cornea and lens and converge on a single point on the retina, resulting in clear vision. The cornea or lens is irregularly shaped in an eye with astigmatism, causing light to be focused at multiple points on the retina instead of a single point. This results in a distorted or blurred image, making it difficult to see clearly.

What do astigmatism lights look like?

One of the well-known symptoms of astigmatism known as ‘astigmatism lights’ is how astigmatism affects the look of  lights at night. A typical example used by many is traffic lights.

Example of astigmatism

 Without Astigmatism
 

 With Astigmatism

Correcting Astigmatism

Why is it important to get astigmatism diagnosed?

Diagnosing astigmatism involves a comprehensive eye examination which includes the assessment of visual acuity, refraction, and the shape of the cornea.

Astigmatism can cause a range of visual disturbances. Some of these include blurring, distortion, and double vision, which impact daily activities like driving and reading, decreasing your quality of life.

Astigmatism can indicate other eye conditions or diseases, such as keratoconus, cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration. Symptoms can be less evident in the early stages of these conditions; however, some may lead to vision loss if not treated. 

How is astigmatism treated?

There are several options for individuals with astigmatism to help manage visual disturbances. Options include corrective lenses such as eyeglasses and contact lenses or in some severe cases, surgery.

Eyeglasses

• Prescription glasses are a common treatment option for astigmatism used for treating mild to moderate astigmatism.
• Eyeglasses adjust the way the light enters the eye, compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea
• This treatment option requires no maintenance or cleaning compared to contact lenses.

Contact Lenses

• Prescription contact lenses also work by adjusting the way the light enters the irregularly shaped cornea.
• Contact lenses offer better peripheral vision and can be used for a broader range of activities without interference compared to eyeglasses.
• There is a maintenance element that comes with using contact lenses. They require regular cleaning to prevent eye infections and other complications. 

Surgery

• In some cases, surgery may be recommended by your optometrist.
• Surgical options include LASIK, PRK and LASEK.
• All surgical procedures involve reshaping the cornea to correct the irregular curvature and improve visual acuity.
• Surgery comes with some risk and requires longer recovery than glasses and contacts.

So which treatment option is best for me?

Ultimately, the best treatment option for you depends on various factors. These factors include severity, lifestyle and personal preference.

Whether you choose corrective lenses or surgery, it is important to discuss these options with your eye doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. 

In conclusion, astigmatism is a common eye condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. By understanding how astigmatism affects the way we perceive light and the visual disturbances associated with the condition, you can take steps to manage and correct the problem. Whether through eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery, a range of treatment options available for astigmatism can improve your vision and enhance your overall quality of life. If you suspect you may have astigmatism or are experiencing vision problems, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist to diagnose the problem and explore your treatment options.

Book your comprehensive eye exam today!

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