Astigmatism

How does astigmatism change how you see?

Astigmatism can make your vision blurry, particularly at the sides. Things might look stretched, distorted or wobbly, a bit like a mirror at a carnival.

You might notice halos around lights when driving at night. Small text can be harder to read, and shifting your focus may feel strange. If both eyes are affected, it might throw off your depth perception. Eye strain or a feeling of imbalance can be common, too.

Are there different kinds of astigmatism?

There are various types of astigmatism, based on which part of the eye it affects:

Corneal astigmatism

This is when the front surface of the eye (the cornea) isn’t perfectly round. It’s more like a rugby ball, bending light unevenly and causing blurred or distorted vision. 

Lenticular astigmatism

This kind of astigmatism is caused by the lens inside the eye being slightly irregular or tilted. It stops light from focusing properly, which can lead to vision that’s blurry or distorted, particularly at certain distances. 

Myopic astigmatism

This occurs when one or both principal meridians of the eye are myopic. If both meridians of the eye are short‑sighted, but by different amounts, it’s called compound myopic astigmatism. If only one is, it’s simple myopic astigmatism. 

Hyperopic astigmatism

Similar to myopic astigmatism. Light focuses behind the retina. If both meridians of the eye are long‑sighted, but not equally, it’s called compound hyperopic. If only one is hyperopic, it’s simple hyperopic astigmatism.

Mixed astigmatism

Mixed astigmatism means the principal meridian is short‑sighted, and the other is long‑sighted. So vision can be blurred, no matter how close or far things are. 

What leads to astigmatism?

Most people with astigmatism are born with it. It often runs in families and happens when the front of the eye (the cornea), or sometimes the lens inside, has a curve that’s steeper in one direction. That slight difference can affect how clearly you see.

It’s more common in premature babies or those with a lower birth weight. And while many kids grow out of it as their eyes develop, some don’t.

Astigmatism can also show up later in life, either naturally or due to changes in your eyes.

Who tends to get astigmatism?

Anyone can get astigmatism, but you might be more likely if:

• You’ve got a family history of astigmatism

• You already have short‑sightedness or long‑sightedness

• You’ve had eye surgery or injury

• You have an eye condition that can affect the shape of the cornea, like keratoconus

It can also develop slowly over time. If your vision’s changed, book an eye test.

We may also use a handheld tool called a retinoscope. It shines a light into your eye, and by watching how it reflects, your optometrist can spot any signs of astigmatism and work out the level. 

Then there’s the Jackson cross cylinder test, a key step. You’ll be asked to choose between two lenses; neither will look perfect, but one will feel just a bit better. This helps us fine‑tune your prescription for sharp, comfortable vision. 

Is there any way to prevent astigmatism?

You can’t prevent astigmatism; most people are born with it and can be further influenced by developmental and environmental factors. But regular eye tests are the best way to keep your vision healthy and up to date. 

Changes can be slow, so having your eyes checked regularly helps us catch any issues early and keep your lenses working as they should.