What is Astigmatism? Everything You Need to Know About This Eye Condition

Astigmatism is a visual defect that affects how the eye focuses light, causing blurred vision both up close and far away. It is a very common condition that can appear alone or accompanied by other visual problems such as myopia or hyperopia.

At Óptica LUPER, we perform comprehensive diagnoses and offer the best solutions to correct astigmatism and help you focus clearly.

What is Astigmatism and How Does it Affect Vision?

Astigmatism is an alteration in the curvature of the cornea or lens, which causes light to focus at multiple points on the retina instead of just one. This results in distorted or blurry vision at all distances.

What does astigmatism look like? People with astigmatism often see straight lines as distorted or blurry. Imagine looking at the world through rippled glass: objects may appear elongated or deformed.

Causes of Astigmatism: Why Does It Occur?

Astigmatism is often hereditary, meaning you can be born with it. However, it can also develop after an eye injury, surgery, or conditions and diseases such as keratoconus. 

Types of astigmatism

According to anatomical origin:

• Corneal astigmatism, when the irregularity is in the cornea.
• Lenticular astigmatism, when the alteration is in the lens.

According to the orientation of the curvature:

• Horizontal astigmatism, when the eye is wider than it is tall.
• Vertical astigmatism, when it is taller than it is wide.

Both classifications refer to the same problem—the irregular shape of the eye—but help to understand it from different perspectives.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

The most common symptoms of astigmatism include:

• Blurred vision both up close and far away.
• Eye strain or visual fatigue after reading or working on a screen.
• Frequent headaches.
• Squinting to see more clearly.

It is important to have regular check-ups, especially for children, as they may not realize their vision is blurry.

Learn more about our personalized eye exam services and keep your vision in perfect condition.

Diagnosis of Astigmatism at LUPER

At Óptica LUPER, we use advanced tests to diagnose astigmatism. Some of the tests include:

1. Visual acuity test: Evaluates how well you can see at different distances.
2. Phoropter: We ask you to read letters through different lenses to find the appropriate correction.
3. Autorefractor: A device that measures how light reflects off the back of the eye.
4. Keratometer and corneal topography: Measure the curvature of the cornea to detect irregularities that cause astigmatism.

If you suspect you have astigmatism, book your online eye exam appointment at our opticians in Murcia or San Pedro del Pinatar.

Treatments for Astigmatism

Astigmatism can be corrected in various ways, depending on the severity and patient preferences:

1. Glasses for Astigmatism

Glasses are the most common and accessible option for correcting astigmatism. They are equipped with cylindrical lenses that compensate for the irregular curvature of the cornea.

2. Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Contact lenses for astigmatism, known as toric lenses, are specifically designed for people with astigmatism. There are options for soft and rigid (RGP) contact lenses, with the latter being more effective in severe cases.

Discover our range of contact lenses for astigmatism and improve your visual quality.

Astigmatism and Other Eye Conditions: Myopia and Hyperopia

Astigmatism rarely appears alone. It is common for people to have it along with other refractive errors such as myopia (difficulty seeing far away) or hyperopia (difficulty seeing up close). This is known as myopic astigmatism or hyperopic astigmatism, respectively.

Learn more about myopia and hyperopia, and how to correct your eye problem combined with astigmatism.

How Does a Person with Astigmatism See?

A person with astigmatism sees images as blurry or distorted. Straight lines may appear tilted or curved. Often, both near and distant objects appear out of focus. This visual problem can worsen if astigmatism is not corrected, affecting quality of life and causing additional discomfort such as headaches.

Astigmatism Simulation

Imagine you are looking at an image, but you can only see one part clearly while the rest appears blurry or out of focus. This is how vision with uncorrected astigmatism feels. 

Is Astigmatism a Hereditary Condition?

Astigmatism is, for the most part, hereditary. If one of your parents has astigmatism, you are likely to develop it too. Although it cannot always be prevented, regular eye exams are essential to detect this condition early and correct it.

Take a vision test at LUPER to detect hereditary visual problems.

What is the Prognosis for Astigmatism?

With proper correction, either with glasses and/or contact lenses, people with astigmatism can have clear and sharp vision. 

Astigmatism tends to stabilize after the age of 20, although some people may experience gradual changes in their vision over time.

Do you have questions about how to treat your astigmatism? Visit our testimonials section to learn how we help other patients see better.

Questions we answer on this page:

• What is Astigmatism?
• What causes Astigmatism?
• Causes of Astigmatism
• Symptoms of Astigmatism
• What does Astigmatism mean?
• How does a person with Astigmatism see?
• How to know if I have Astigmatism?
• Astigmatism Lenses

Take Care of Your Astigmatism with LUPER

At Óptica LUPER we are committed to the visual health of our patients. If you experience symptoms of astigmatism or have been diagnosed, we offer you the best treatment options, adapted to your needs and lifestyle. Don't let astigmatism affect your quality of life.

First consultation and personalized eye exam FREE and find the perfect solution for your astigmatism. At LUPER we have the products and services you need to improve your vision!