Astigmatism is a common condition that can result in blurred or distorted vision at all distances, varying with the strength of the astigmatism. It occurs when the cornea or lens is not a perfectly curved shape, but oval like a rugby ball.

Astigmatism is also a more common condition than you may think. In the UK, 47% of people who wear glasses have astigmatism to some degree.

Astigmatism can also affect people at any age and often people with astigmatism are short-sighted or long-sighted as well.

If left uncorrected, astigmatism can lead to headaches, fatigue, squinting and pain in the muscles around your eye. The blurry vision people experience with astigmatism is caused by the inability of the eye to focus the light entering the eye on to the retina.

People with astigmatism may see the blurred image on the left, where the eye is unable to focus the image correctly. When using vision correction in the form of glasses or contact lenses then the eye is able to focus the light entering the eye, the result being a much clearer, focused image as seen on the right.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTIGMATISM?

Astigmatism can cause blurred vision when you are trying to focus on activities that require you to see objects at long distances, such as road signs. It can also affect your vision for close activities, such as reading or sewing. If left uncorrected, astigmatism can lead to headaches, fatigue, squinting and pain in the muscles around your eye.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ASTIGMATISM?

If you suspect you have astigmatism you should visit your optician and ask for an eye examination. To help you find your nearest optician please use the “find an optician” tool. Your optician will use an astigmatism chart to help determine the curvature of your cornea or lens. An abnormal curvature will sharply focus parts of the image onto your retina, while blurring others.