Common vision condition
Astigmatism
Astigmatism can cause blurred or distorted vision at distance, near, or both.
Astigmatism is a common refractive condition. It means the eye does not focus light evenly in all directions, so vision may not be as clear or sharp as it could be.
It is not a disease, and it is not something to be scared of. Many people have some astigmatism, and it can often be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or another suitable option.
Astigmatism - light focuses unevenlyClick image to view larger
What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism is usually related to the shape and focusing power of the eye.
Cornea shape
The front surface of the eye may be shaped more like a rugby ball than a perfectly round sphere, causing light to focus unevenly.
Lens shape
Astigmatism can also come from the lens inside the eye if it does not focus light equally in all directions.
Uneven focus
Because light does not come to one clear focal point, vision can look blurred, doubled, shadowed, stretched, or distorted.
Astigmatism is common
Many people have some degree of astigmatism. Mild astigmatism may cause few symptoms, while higher amounts can affect clarity, comfort, reading, driving, screen use, and everyday vision.
Possible signs of astigmatism
Symptoms can vary depending on age, prescription strength, and how much astigmatism is present.
Blurred or distorted vision
Vision may look blurry, stretched, shadowed, doubled, or distorted at distance, near, or both.
Eyestrain or headaches
Some people notice tired eyes, headaches, aching, or discomfort after reading, screen use, driving, or detailed work.
Squinting
Squinting can temporarily sharpen vision slightly, so people with uncorrected astigmatism may squint without realising it.
Click image to view larger
How the eye focuses light
For clear vision, light needs to focus accurately on the retina at the back of the eye.
In astigmatism, light focuses unevenly rather than at one clear point. This can cause blurred or distorted vision at different distances.
Glasses or contact lenses can help focus light more accurately on the retina while they are being worn.
Astigmatism in children
Children may not realise their vision is blurred or distorted. They may squint, move closer, avoid reading, lose concentration, or complain of headaches or tired eyes.
A proper eye exam checks whether astigmatism is present, whether glasses are needed, and whether vision is developing as expected.
Astigmatism and eye comfort
Astigmatism can affect both clarity and comfort, especially when the eyes are working hard.
Screen and reading comfort
Uncorrected astigmatism can make screens, books, and fine detail feel harder to keep clear for long periods.
Night driving
Some people with astigmatism notice glare, halos, streaks, or blur around lights, especially at night.
Ongoing monitoring
Regular eye exams help monitor your prescription, vision, and eye health over time.
Seek urgent advice for sudden symptoms
Please phone us promptly if you notice sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, new distortion, sudden vision loss, or a shadow or curtain in your vision.
These symptoms can have several causes, but they should not be ignored.
How astigmatism may be corrected
The best option depends on your prescription, age, eye health, lifestyle, and how you use your vision day to day.
Glasses
Glasses are a common way to correct astigmatism. They are made to focus light differently in different directions, helping vision become clearer.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses may be suitable for some people with astigmatism, depending on the prescription, eye health, comfort, and lifestyle.
Other options
Some adults ask about refractive surgery. Suitability depends on prescription, corneal health, age, and specialist assessment.
Related vision conditions
Astigmatism can occur on its own or alongside other focusing conditions.
Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, usually makes distant objects look blurry while close objects are clearer.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, can make close work harder and may also affect distance vision in some cases.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the normal age-related change that makes near focusing harder, usually becoming noticeable from around the 40s.
Is astigmatism an eye disease?
No. Astigmatism is a refractive condition, meaning it relates to how the eye focuses light. It is common and often correctable.
Can astigmatism affect both near and distance vision?
Yes. Astigmatism can affect vision at different distances, depending on the amount and type of astigmatism.
Why do lights look streaky at night?
Uncorrected astigmatism can make lights look smeared, streaky, or haloed, especially in low light or when driving at night.
Can children have astigmatism?
Yes. Children can have astigmatism, and they may not always notice or explain the blur. Regular eye exams are important.
Concerned about astigmatism?
You can book online, phone us, or call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare.
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.
Common vision condition
Astigmatism
Astigmatism can cause blurred or distorted vision at distance, near, or both.
Astigmatism is a common focusing condition. It is not a disease, and it is not something to be scared of.
It usually happens when the front surface of the eye, or sometimes the lens inside the eye, has uneven focusing power. This means light does not focus to one sharp point on the retina.
Astigmatism - light focuses unevenly
What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism is usually related to the shape and focusing power of the eye.
Cornea shape
The cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye, may be curved more in one direction than another.
Lens shape
Sometimes astigmatism comes from the natural lens inside the eye rather than the cornea.
Uneven focus
Light entering the eye is focused differently in different directions, which can make vision blurred, shadowed, or distorted.
Astigmatism is very common
Many people have some astigmatism. Small amounts may cause little or no trouble, while higher amounts can affect comfort, clarity, reading, driving, and night vision.
Possible signs of astigmatism
Symptoms vary depending on the amount of astigmatism, whether it occurs with other focusing conditions, and how your eyes are used day to day.
Blurred or distorted vision
Vision may look blurry, stretched, shadowed, doubled, or distorted at distance, near, or both.
Eye strain and headaches
Uncorrected astigmatism can cause tired eyes, aching eyes, headaches, or discomfort after reading, screen use, or driving.
Squinting
Some people squint to try to sharpen the image. Children may not realise they are doing this.
How the eye focuses light
For clear vision, light needs to focus accurately on the retina at the back of the eye.
With astigmatism, light is not focused equally in all directions. Instead of one sharp point of focus, the image may be spread or distorted.
Glasses or contact lenses can help by correcting the uneven focus so the image is sharper while the correction is being worn.
Astigmatism in children
Children may not know that their vision is blurry or distorted. They may sit close to screens, lose concentration with reading, complain of headaches, squint, or have difficulty seeing the board at school.
An eye exam can check whether astigmatism is affecting vision, comfort, eye coordination, or learning-related visual tasks.
How astigmatism may be corrected
The best option depends on your prescription, age, eye health, comfort, and how you use your vision.
Glasses
Glasses are a common and reliable way to correct astigmatism. The lens power is set differently in different directions to correct the uneven focus.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses can correct many types of astigmatism, but they need to be fitted and checked carefully. Toric lenses are often used for astigmatism.
Other options
Some adults may ask about refractive surgery. Suitability depends on prescription, corneal shape, eye health, age, and specialist assessment.
Changing or irregular astigmatism needs attention
Astigmatism is usually stable and straightforward to correct. However, if astigmatism changes quickly, becomes irregular, or glasses are not giving clear vision, further checks may be needed.
Conditions such as keratoconus can affect the cornea and may cause changing or irregular astigmatism.
Related vision conditions
Astigmatism can occur on its own or alongside other focusing conditions.
Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, usually makes distance vision blurry while close vision is clearer.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, can make close work harder and may also affect distance vision in some cases.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the normal age-related change that makes near focusing harder, usually becoming noticeable from around the 40s.
Is astigmatism serious?
Most astigmatism is not serious. It is a common focusing condition and can often be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Can astigmatism cause headaches?
Yes, uncorrected astigmatism can contribute to eyestrain and headaches, especially after reading, screen use, detailed work, or driving.
Can astigmatism change?
It can. Small changes are common, but larger or faster changes should be assessed, especially if vision becomes distorted or glasses no longer work well.
Do lenses for astigmatism look different?
Usually not in an obvious way. Lens appearance depends on the full prescription, frame choice, lens design, and lens material.
Concerned about astigmatism?
You can book online, phone us, or call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare.
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.