Medicines for Astigmatism

What it is

Astigmatism is a very common and harmless condition in which the front of the eye (usually the cornea, the clear window at the front) is not perfectly round, but is curved more like a rugby ball than a football — more curved in one direction than the other. This means light entering the eye is not focused evenly onto the back of the eye (the retina), so vision can be blurred or distorted at all distances. Astigmatism is a type of refractive error (a focusing problem), like being short-sighted or long-sighted, and often occurs together with these. It is extremely common, is usually present from an early age (and often runs in families), and is not a disease or a sign of eye problems — it is simply a variation in the shape of the eye. Many people have a small amount of astigmatism that causes no noticeable problems. When it is more significant, symptoms can include: blurred or distorted vision (at near, far, or both); eye strain or tiredness, particularly with tasks that need focusing; headaches; and difficulty seeing fine detail. In children, uncorrected astigmatism can sometimes affect vision development, which is one reason eye tests are important. Astigmatism is easily detected during a routine eye test (sight test) and is easily corrected: glasses or contact lenses that compensate for the uneven curvature bring vision into focus, and, for those who wish, laser eye surgery or other procedures can sometimes correct it. Astigmatism does not usually change much or cause harm, though it can change gradually over time, so regular eye tests keep the correction up to date. The key messages are that astigmatism is a very common, harmless focusing problem, that it is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and that regular eye tests detect and manage it.

How it is treated

Astigmatism is easily detected and corrected, and is managed simply by correcting the focusing with glasses or contact lenses. It is picked up during a routine eye test (sight test) by an optician (optometrist), who measures the focusing of the eyes and can determine the amount and type of astigmatism. Correction is straightforward: glasses with lenses shaped to compensate for the uneven curvature of the eye bring the vision into focus, and are the simplest and most common solution; contact lenses (including special lenses designed for astigmatism) are also an option for many people. For those who would prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery or other procedures can, in suitable cases, correct astigmatism, and these are discussed with an eye specialist. The right correction depends on the individual and their needs. Because astigmatism can change gradually over time, and because it often occurs with short- or long-sightedness, regular eye tests are important to keep the correction up to date and to check the general health of the eyes; opticians advise on how often to have eye tests. In children, eye tests (including the routine checks offered) are important, as uncorrected significant astigmatism (or other refractive errors) can affect the development of vision, and correcting it supports normal visual development. Astigmatism itself is harmless and does not damage the eyes, so the "treatment" is simply about achieving clear, comfortable vision. The reassuring messages are that astigmatism is a very common and harmless variation in the shape of the eye, that it is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses (or, for those who wish, surgery in suitable cases), and that regular eye tests detect it and keep the correction up to date. Anyone noticing blurred vision, eye strain, or headaches should have an eye test, which will identify astigmatism or other focusing problems that can be corrected.