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Book an AppointmentWhat is Astigmatism?
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July 29, 2024Astigmatism is a common topic in eye care. So, what is it? First off, astigmatism is not a disease, nor is it a threat to sight, and it's not unusual. In fact, everyone has some degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped. The condition can cause blurred vision, eye strain, glare, and difficulty with night driving. We can correct astigmatism with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. It is true that astigmatism can change with age and worsen with the development of cataract. There are a few eye diseases (ex. keratoconus) that can create high levels of astigmatism. However, the common experience is that astigmatism is generally stable throughout life. With proper correction, most people with astigmatism achieve clear and comfortable vision.
One interesting point about astigmatism involves the ambient light of your environment. Light levels impact vision quality for individuals with astigmatism. When light levels are high, the pupil constricts, which can help reduce the effects of astigmatism. However, when light levels decrease and the pupil dilates, the effects of astigmatism become more pronounced, leading to a decline in vision. This is one reason why people with moderate to high levels of astigmatism may struggle with night vision or driving in low-light conditions.
