Are you one of the millions of people affected by astigmatism? If so, you may be wondering how this eye condition progresses and whether it can be slowed down. This is where proper treatment becomes important to ensure overall eyesight and vision. In this blog post, our resident vision therapy doctors discuss the factors that can cause astigmatism to worsen and the importance of staying proactive in managing this common vision issue.
How Astigmatism Changes Over Time
Astigmatism is an eye condition commonly caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. The light that enters the eye is improperly focused, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Astigmatism can affect one or both eyes and is often associated with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia.
Most individuals with this condition don’t experience any significant changes. However, certain factors can lead to worsening astigmatism, making it crucial to stay aware of your vision’s progression and be proactive in managing it.
Factors That Can Cause Astigmatism to Worsen
Several factors can contribute to astigmatism worsening over time. These include:
- Age. Our eyes’ shape changes as we age, leading to increased likelihood of astigmatism. This is a natural part of aging and can be managed with regular eye exams and appropriate vision correction.
- Eye Injury or Surgery. If you’ve experienced an injury to your eye or have had eye surgery, your astigmatism can increase. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor can help detect any changes in your vision.
- Eye Conditions or Diseases. Certain eye conditions, such as keratoconus, can cause astigmatism to worsen over time. If you have an existing eye condition, working closely with your eye doctor to manage your vision is essential.
- Lifestyle Factors. Activities that strain your eyes, such as having excessive screen time or working in poor lighting conditions, can contribute to the progression of astigmatism. Taking breaks and practicing good eye habits can help minimize such risk.
Signs of a Worsening Astigmatism
If you’re concerned that your astigmatism may be worsening, keep an eye out for these signs:
- Increased difficulty with night vision
- Frequent changes in prescription
- Headaches or eye strain
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
These signs may indicate the need for vision therapy or any appropriate treatment and management strategies to prevent further progression of astigmatism.
Treatment Options for Worsening Astigmatism
Depending on the severity of your astigmatism and its progression, several treatment options are available:
- Prescription Eyewear. Glasses or contact lenses can correct most cases of astigmatism, providing clear and comfortable vision.
- Contact Lenses. Specialized lenses, such as scleral lenses, can provide a more customized fit for those with astigmatism.
- Refractive Surgery. Procedures like LASIK or PRK can correct astigmatism for qualifying candidates, potentially eliminating the need for eyewear.
- Vision Therapy. For some individuals, vision therapy can help improve eye alignment and coordination, reducing symptoms of astigmatism.
Understanding the factors that can cause astigmatism to worsen and being aware of the available treatment options is essential for maintaining your eye health. Call Insight Vision Center Optometry at (714) 486-3315 today if you’re concerned about your astigmatism. We offer a wide range of eye care services, including specialty contacts like scleral lenses and eyeglasses prescriptions. You can also fill out our convenient online form to schedule a consultation. We serve residents of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, CA.