Are you experiencing increasing vision difficulties and wondering what is causing your astigmatism to worsen suddenly? You are not alone! 33% of people in the U.S. have astigmatism and often face vision issues because of this complicated condition. It’s a common eye condition where the cornea or lens isn’t perfectly round.
This means that instead of your eye being nice and spherical, it can take on a football-like shape. It can lead to symptoms like blurry vision, trouble driving at night, headaches, eye pain, and sensitivity to glare. Astigmatism often starts in childhood and can stick with you throughout life.
The good news? Surgery isn’t usually necessary! Most cases of astigmatism can be treated simply with glasses or contact lenses. However, if left untreated, astigmatism could worsen over time. So, if you suspect you might have astigmatism or are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider reaching out to an eye care professional.
In the meantime, are you ready to dive deeper into who’s more likely to encounter astigmatism and what steps you can take to achieve a clearer vision? Let’s explore this intriguing topic together!
Who is at Risk of Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common problem, and while it can happen to anyone, there are people with a higher chance of developing it due to certain factors. You are more likely at the risk of astigmatism if you have:
- A thin cornea
- A family history of astigmatism
- A history of eye surgeries. This can include cataracts and other surgeries as well.
- Excessive farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Extreme nearsightedness (myopia)
There are several effects of this condition, as normal vision differs from how people with astigmatism see. But generally, people who have it have difficulty driving at night.
Also Read:: What is Astigmatism? 3 Methods of Astigmatism Treatment
Can Astigmatism Get Worse?
Not only astigmatism but any refractive error can aggravate with time if left untreated at an early stage. The simultaneous presence of myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is one of the key factors that helps astigmatism progress further.
Therefore, it is recommended to visit your eye specialist at least once a year so you can detect your eye problems at an early stage and prevent worsening astigmatism.
What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?
There can be a number of reasons leading to your astigmatism getting worse. During your appointments, your eye doctor will monitor the following factors:
- Ageing: Your vision may be impacted as you age due to changes in the curvature of your cornea and lens.
- Eye Injuries: Corneal abnormalities brought on by eye damage might exacerbate astigmatism.
- Family History: You may be more susceptible to increasing symptoms if astigmatism runs in your family.
- Keratoconus: This disorder distorts vision by causing the cornea to weaken and swell gradually.
- Corneal Scarring: Astigmatism may worsen because of abnormalities caused by corneal scarring.
- Corneal Thinning: Your vision may deteriorate if your cornea thins, changing its curve and form.
- By Birth: Some people are born with an irregularly shaped cornea, predisposing them to astigmatism.
- High Nearsightedness (Myopia): Severe myopia can increase the likelihood of astigmatism worsening.
- High Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Similarly, extreme hyperopia can contribute to vision changes over time.
- Post-surgery Complications: Surgeries on the eye can sometimes lead to changes in corneal shape, affecting astigmatism.
Remember, identifying the causes of your astigmatism is the first step in addressing it. So, be sure to consult with your eye care professional regularly! There are many therapy alternatives available. With speciality contact lenses, refractive surgery, or corrective lenses, your eye doctor can assist you.
How to Take Care of Your Astigmatic Eyes
Even though most individuals are born with astigmatism, you can significantly enhance the health of your eyesight by adopting certain lifestyle and eye care practices. You can keep your eyes happy and healthy by following these helpful tips:
- Lessen Eye Strain: Make it a habit to avoid using screens for long periods. One way to reduce eye strain is to keep a safe distance from devices such as phones, tablets, and computers.
- Keep Your Eyes Safe: Wearing glasses or contact lenses can help you see better and protect your vision. Make sure you are taking the right prescription for the best results.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Resist the urge to rub your eyes. This could change your cornea’s shape and make your astigmatism worse.
- Employ Corrective Lenses: Wear any corrective lenses that your physician has recommended. They can prevent unnecessary eye strain and improve your overall vision.
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Don’t underestimate the importance of routinely visiting your eye doctor. They can help you monitor the health of your eyes and adjust your medications as needed.
By following these simple yet effective methods, you can maintain excellent eye health and make the most of your time with astigmatism. Remember that improved eye health now can lead to improved eyesight later!
Also Read:: 8 Eye Relaxation Exercises That Actually Work to Improve Your Vision
In conclusion, astigmatism is a widespread vision issue that affects many individuals, often leading to blurred vision and discomfort. Understanding what causes astigmatism and its symptoms can empower you to take proactive steps in managing your eye health.
If you suspect you have astigmatism or simply haven’t had an eye exam in a while, reach out to your eye care professional. Your vision is worth it!
FAQs – What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?
As mentioned earlier, astigmatism can get severe as you age. The corneas in your eye become highly irregular. When you go to your eye specialist, you might notice that the prescriptions frequently keep changing, leading to different eye exams.
Regular use of gadgets like laptops and smartphones can cause eye strain, which can make the symptoms of astigmatism worse. You may be all too familiar with this sensation if you have ever experienced discomfort following an extended period of screen time.
The good news is that astigmatism can be resolved permanently! Your cornea can be efficiently reshaped with laser operations like LASIK or PRK. These procedures enhance your vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses in day-to-day activities.
