Astigmatism
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by uneven curvature of the cornea or lens. Instead of bending light evenly onto the retina, the eye focuses light unevenly, which may cause blurred or distorted vision at different distances.
Common symptoms
Some people describe their vision as shadowed, stretched, doubled, or not sharp even when looking directly at an object. Astigmatism symptoms may become more noticeable during reading, screen use, night driving, or looking at lights in dim environments.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Distorted vision
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Difficulty with night vision
- Squinting
- Tired eyes after visual tasks
- Difficulty seeing clearly at both near and far distances
What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism is usually caused by an uneven curve in the cornea or lens, which changes how light focuses inside the eye.
Possible causes include:
- Uneven curvature of the cornea
- Uneven curvature of the lens inside the eye
- Light rays bending at different angles
- Two overlapping or uneven image points forming in the eye
- Corneal astigmatism when the cornea has mismatched curves
- Lenticular astigmatism when the lens has mismatched curves
- May be present from birth
- May develop after eye injury, eye disease, or eye surgery
Risk Factors
Some factors may increase the likelihood of astigmatism or make it more noticeable. These include inherited eye shape traits, previous eye injury, keratoconus, or changes after eye surgery. They may include:
- Family history or genetics
- Eye injury
- Keratoconus
- Previous eye surgery
- Corneal shape changes
- Astigmatism
How is astigmatism diagnosed?
An eye doctor or optometrist may ask about blurred vision, headaches, night vision difficulty, screen use, reading comfort, and current glasses or contact lens use. The examination helps identify the degree and type of astigmatism.
An astigmatism eye check may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Refraction assessment
- Eye health examination
- Review of symptoms
- Testing with different lenses
- Assessment of how the eyes bend light
- Prescription check for glasses or contact lenses
- Further corneal assessment where needed
Managing & treating astigmatism
Astigmatism treatment aims to improve visual clarity and eye comfort. Depending on the degree of astigmatism, lifestyle needs, eye health, and suitability, options may include glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Glasses
Eyeglasses are a common way to correct astigmatism. The lenses help compensate for the uneven shape of the cornea or lens so light bends more accurately into the eye. Glasses may also correct other refractive errors such as myopia or hyperopia at the same time.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses can correct many cases of astigmatism and may suit people who prefer not to wear glasses. Different lens types may be considered depending on the eye shape and prescription. Proper fitting, hygiene, and follow-up checks are important for safe contact lens wear.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK Eye Surgery may be suitable for selected adults with stable prescriptions and suitable corneal measurements. The procedure reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses in the eye. Suitability depends on a detailed refractive assessment and should not be assumed for everyone.
PRK
PRK is similar to LASEK, but the surface layer of the cornea is removed and allowed to grow back naturally. It may be considered for some patients depending on corneal thickness, corneal shape, prescription, and overall eye health.
Get to know more about Trans PRK No Touch EPI-LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK
Epi-LASIK is a variation of LASEK. A special instrument separates a very thin surface layer of the cornea before the laser reshapes the corneal surface. Suitability depends on the eye assessment and the surgeon’s recommendation.
SMILE Surgery
SMILE reshapes the cornea by using a laser to create and remove a small lens-shaped piece of tissue through a small incision. Mayo Clinic notes that SMILE is currently approved for treating mild nearsightedness, so its suitability for astigmatism should be discussed with an eye doctor.
Children Eye Screening
Children may not always realise their vision is blurry. Regular vision checks can help detect astigmatism early, especially if a child squints, struggles with schoolwork, or has difficulty seeing clearly. Eye screeningmay be recommended if astigmatism affects vision or comfort.
When should you see an eye doctor?
See an eye doctor if blurred or distorted vision affects your daily activities, reading, screen use, driving, work, or enjoyment of normal activities. An eye doctor can check whether you have astigmatism, measure its degree, and advise suitable options to correct your vision.
Our Specialists
Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and licensed optometrists brings together decades of specialized training and experience. Each doctor has completed additional fellowship training in subspecialty areas, ensuring you receive the most advanced care available.
Dr Jay Siak
Director of Uveitis, Ocular Inflammation & Autoimmune Eye Disease
- LASIK
- EPI-LASIK
- Trans PRK
- Zeiss SMILE
- ICL
- Kids Myopia
- Diabetic Eye
- Cataract
- Eye Inflammation
- Floaters
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Uveitis
- Incision & Drainage
- General Eye Check
- Dry Eyes
- Presbyopia
Dr Jean Chai
Director of Cornea Services, LASIK Services and Refractive Surgery
- LASIK
- EPI-LASIK
- Trans PRK
- Zeiss SMILE
- ICL
- Kids Myopia
- Diabetic Eye
- Cataract
- Eye Inflammation
- Floaters
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Cornea Transplant
- Incision & Drainage
- General Eye Check
- Dry Eyes
- Presbyopia
Dr Julian Theng Thiam Siew
Group Chairman and Medical Director of Eagle Eye Centre
- LASIK
- EPI-LASIK
- Trans PRK
- Zeiss SMILE
- ICL
- Cataract
- Eye Inflammation
- Floaters
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Cornea Transplant
- General Eye Check
- Dry Eyes
- Presbyopia
Dr Lynn Yeo
Director of Refractive Surgery and Comprehensive Ophthalmic Services
- LASIK
- EPI-LASIK
- Trans PRK
- Zeiss SMILE
- ICL
- Diabetic Eye
- Cataract
- Eye Inflammation
- Floaters
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Incision & Drainage
- General Eye Check
- Dry Eyes
- Presbyopia
Dr Stephanie Young
Director of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Diabetic Eye
- Cataract
- Eye Inflammation
- Floaters
- Oculoplastics
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Orbital Fracture
- Ptosis / Droopy Eyelid
- Incision & Drainage
- General Eye Check
- Dry Eyes
- Presbyopia
- Thyroid Eye Disease
Frequently asked questions
Ask us anything about how we can help you understand eye care better!
- Astigmatism is usually not serious.
- It is a common refractive error and is often treatable.
- It can cause blurred or distorted vision if uncorrected.
- A proper eye exam can confirm the degree of astigmatism and suitable correction options.
- Yes, astigmatism can often be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Some adults may also be suitable for refractive surgery.
- The right option depends on prescription, corneal health, lifestyle, and eye health.
- Suitability should be confirmed through an eye assessment.
- Astigmatism may change over time.
- It may be present from birth or develop after eye injury, eye disease, or eye surgery.
- Some people need updated prescriptions if vision changes.
- Regular eye exams can help monitor astigmatism and overall eye health.
- Screen time does not directly cause astigmatism.
- Astigmatism is mainly related to corneal or lens curvature.
- Long screen use may make eye strain or blurred vision more noticeable.
- If symptoms happen often, an eye check can confirm the cause.
- No, astigmatism and myopia are different refractive errors.
- Myopia usually makes distant objects look blurry.
- Astigmatism can cause blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances.
- A person can have astigmatism together with myopia or hyperopia.
- LASIK may correct astigmatism in suitable adults.
- It works by reshaping the cornea to improve how light focuses.
- Not everyone is suitable for LASIK.
- A refractive assessment is needed to check prescription stability, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
WHAT YOU SEE MATTERS
Schedule Your Vision Check
Astigmatism can make vision look blurred, stretched, shadowed, or distorted at both near and far distances. Some people also experience eye strain, headaches, squinting, or difficulty seeing clearly at night. A comprehensive eye assessment can help confirm whether astigmatism is causing your symptoms and guide suitable correction options, such as glasses, contact lenses, or refractive treatment where appropriate.