Astigmatism can get worse if you age, rub your eyes, or have a head injury. Take good care of your eyes to prevent it from getting worse.
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs when the front surface of your eye, the cornea, has an irregular curvature. This can cause blurred vision and difficulty with activities such as reading or driving. While this condition may be hereditary, it can also be caused by other factors such as age-related changes or eye trauma. In this blog post, we will discuss what can worsen astigmatism, how to prevent it, and treatment options.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of the eye’s cornea or lens, which results in blurred vision at all distances. It is a common vision problem that can cause distorted or blurry vision, and is a type of refractive error due to rotational asymmetry in the eye’s refractive power. Astigmatism is caused by an error in the shape of the cornea and can be worsened by a number of factors, such as age, genetics, and health conditions. It is important to visit an optometrist for an eye exam if you think you may have astigmatism, as it can be treated with corrective lenses or even surgery.
Causes of Astigmatism
In addition to the causes of astigmatism, there are some factors that can worsen the condition. These include:
Hereditary Factors
It is widely accepted that astigmatism can be inherited and passed down through generations. Hereditary factors can be a major contributor to the development of astigmatism, as the condition can be present at birth or develop in early childhood. While it is unclear exactly what causes hereditary astigmatism, it is likely to be related to genetics and the structure of the eye.
Studies have shown that a family history of astigmatism can increase the risk of developing the condition. In addition, children may be more likely to develop astigmatism if one or both of their parents have the condition. This suggests that genetics can play a role in the development of astigmatism.
It is important to note that astigmatism is not necessarily caused by hereditary factors alone. Other factors such as eye injuries, diseases, and certain medications can also increase the risk of developing astigmatism. It is therefore important to discuss any potential risk factors with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Uncorrected Refractive Error
Uncorrected refractive error is one of the leading causes of astigmatism. When the eye’s cornea is not evenly curved, or the lens is not properly aligned, it can cause light to become distorted as it enters the eye. This can result in blurred vision, double vision, and even headaches. To correct this condition, an optometrist will prescribe corrective lenses or contact lenses to help refocus the light entering the eye. In some cases, refractive surgery may be needed to permanently correct the refractive error. Without proper correction, the astigmatism can worsen over time.
Age-Related Changes in the Eye
Age-related changes in the eye can be a major contributor to astigmatism. As we age, the lens of the eye can become less flexible, causing the eye to focus light incorrectly, resulting in blurred vision. This can lead to an irregular shape of the cornea, which can cause astigmatism. Furthermore, age-related changes can also cause the muscles that control the shape of the lens to weaken, resulting in astigmatism.
In addition, the aging process can lead to a condition known as presbyopia, which is the gradual loss of near vision. This can also cause astigmatism as the eye has to work harder to focus on near objects, leading to an irregular shape of the cornea.
In order to prevent age-related changes from worsening astigmatism, it is important to have regular eye exams and to take steps to keep the eyes healthy. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of antioxidants, wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from sunlight, and avoiding contact with smoke and dust can all help to keep the eyes healthy and reduce the risk of age-related changes causing astigmatism.
Eye Injuries or Trauma
Eye injuries or trauma, such as a blunt force to the eye or an eye being punctured, can significantly worsen astigmatism. Trauma can cause physical damage to the eye, which can result in an irregular shape of the cornea. This can cause light to focus incorrectly on the retina and cause astigmatism. Additionally, any form of trauma that damages the eye muscles can also lead to astigmatism. In some cases, the damage to the eye muscles may be so severe that it can be difficult for the muscles to focus on objects. This can lead to astigmatism as well.
It is important to protect your eyes at all times in order to prevent any such injuries or trauma that can worsen astigmatism. If you have experienced any eye trauma or have any concerns about your eye health, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a degenerative eye condition that can cause astigmatism. It’s a disorder where the cornea, the clear covering at the front of the eye, thins and begins to bulge outward, like a cone shape. This distorted shape causes the light entering the eye to be refracted unevenly, resulting in blurred vision. In more extreme cases, it can even cause vision loss.
Keratoconus is considered one of the most common causes of astigmatism, and is often hereditary. It’s also associated with certain medical conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Down Syndrome and Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis. Additionally, contact lens wear, eye rubbing and certain eye injuries can worsen the condition.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of keratoconus, such as blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, or frequent changes to your eyeglass or contact lens prescription. Early detection and treatment are essential in preventing further vision loss or distortion. Treatment options vary, but may include wearing special contact lenses, corneal collagen cross-linking, or undergoing a corneal transplant.
What Can Worsen Astigmatism?
Knowing what can worsen astigmatism is important in order to protect our vision from further damage. Let’s look at some of the major causes of astigmatism deterioration.
Eye Exercises
Eye exercises can be a contributing factor to worsening astigmatism. Eye exercises are often recommended as a way to improve vision, but unfortunately, they can also cause astigmatism to become worse. This is because exercises that involve eye strain, such as focusing on objects at different distances, can cause the shape of the eye to become distorted, which can lead to astigmatism. It is important to be mindful of the type of eye exercises you are doing and be aware of the potential risks. If you are unsure if an exercise is safe, it is best to consult an eye care professional before attempting it.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can have a detrimental effect on astigmatism, as it can cause eye strain and fatigue. When the eyes are exposed to prolonged periods of dim lighting or bright lighting, the ciliary muscles in the eye can become strained, causing astigmatism to worsen. To prevent this, it is important to maintain good lighting levels when reading, working on the computer, or engaging in any activity that requires the use of your eyes. Additionally, it is important to give your eyes regular breaks from screens and activities that require prolonged periods of focus. Taking regular breaks and getting adequate sleep are key to maintaining good eye health and preventing astigmatism from worsening.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is one of the factors that can worsen astigmatism. Poor posture can cause the eyes to be misaligned, which can lead to astigmatism. This misalignment can cause blurred vision or an inability to focus on distant objects. Poor posture can also lead to headaches, neck pain, and fatigue, which can all worsen astigmatism. To prevent worsening astigmatism due to poor posture, it is important to practice good posture habits and take frequent breaks from prolonged computer use. Additionally, regular eye exams can help identify any changes in your vision early on, allowing you to take steps to prevent astigmatism from worsening.
Stress
Stress can be a major contributor to worsening astigmatism, as it can cause the muscles in the eyes to become tense. This tension can cause the eye to become misaligned, which can lead to blurry vision and astigmatism. Stress also causes the eyes to become dry and irritated, which can have a negative effect on vision as well. Reducing stress levels through activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to reduce the tension in the eye muscles, and in turn, reduce astigmatism.
Prolonged Use of Technology
When it comes to astigmatism, prolonged use of technology may worsen its symptoms. Technology such as smartphones, tablets, and computers can all cause eye strain, leading to headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and more. It is important to take frequent breaks when using any type of technology, and to look away from the screen at least every 20 minutes. Additionally, you should make sure to blink often and to use the “20-20-20 rule,” which suggests that for every 20 minutes of looking at a screen, look away for 20 seconds at an object located at least 20 feet away. Finally, use a blue light filter on any device you use if possible. This will help to reduce the amount of blue light coming from the screen, which can cause further eye strain.
Unhealthy Habits
Unhealthy habits can have a significant impact on astigmatism, leading to worsening vision and the need for more frequent eye exams. Common unhealthy habits that can worsen astigmatism include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition. Smoking can cause the cornea to become dry and inflamed, leading to vision problems. Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and lead to dry eyes, which can also worsen astigmatism. Not getting enough sleep can impair vision, and poor nutrition can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals that can have an adverse effect on astigmatism. To help prevent worsening astigmatism, it is important to maintain healthy habits, including quitting smoking, drinking in moderation, getting adequate sleep, and consuming a healthy diet. Additionally, regular eye exams are essential to monitor astigmatism and detect any changes that may require treatment.
Poor Nutrition
Poor nutrition can have a significant impact on astigmatism, as it can lead to an increased risk of developing the condition or worsening existing symptoms. Poor nutrition can weaken the eye muscles, reduce the production of certain hormones that regulate eye health, and create an imbalance in vitamins and minerals that can lead to astigmatism. Additionally, poor nutrition can lead to inflammation in the eye, which can cause astigmatism. To maintain optimal eye health and reduce the risk of developing or worsening astigmatism, it is important to pay attention to nutrition and ensure that the diet includes adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Eye Allergies
Eye allergies can play a role in worsening astigmatism, as they can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to blurred vision and discomfort. Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander can cause irritation in the eyes and worsen the symptoms of astigmatism. Additionally, rubbing the eyes to relieve symptoms can further irritate the eyes and exacerbate astigmatism. To reduce the risk of worsening astigmatism due to allergies, it is important to address the underlying allergy and find ways to reduce its impact. This can include avoiding exposure to allergens, using air filters to reduce pollen, and taking antihistamines. Additionally, wearing sunglasses and avoiding the urge to rub the eyes can help to protect the eyes from further irritation.
Exposure to UV Rays
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be a major contributing factor to the worsening of astigmatism. UV radiation can damage the cornea, which is the transparent layer at the front of the eye. When the cornea is damaged, it can cause changes in its shape, potentially leading to astigmatism. Additionally, prolonged UV exposure increases the chance of developing cataracts, which can also contribute to astigmatism. Therefore, it is important to protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses that are labeled to block at least 98% of UV rays.
High Altitude
High altitude can worsen astigmatism because the decrease in atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes can cause the eye to become dry, which can cause blurred and distorted vision. At higher altitudes, the air is thinner and the atmospheric pressure is lower, which can lead to an increased evaporation of tears. This can cause the tear film to become uneven, resulting in blurred and distorted vision. In addition, certain medications, including some antihistamines, can cause dryness of the eyes, which can worsen astigmatism. Therefore, it is important to avoid taking medications that can cause dryness or irritation to the eyes, especially at higher altitudes.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) can be a significant contributor to worsening astigmatism. DES is a condition characterized by a lack of production of tears, which in turn can lead to an inability to maintain the normal curvature of the cornea. This can cause the cornea to become irregularly shaped, leading to an increase in astigmatism. DES can also cause inflammation that can lead to a further increase in astigmatism.
Treating DES by using artificial tears, ointments, and/or punctal plugs can help to reduce the inflammation and improve the tear production, thus reducing the astigmatism. It is important to note that if the astigmatism is caused by an underlying condition, such as keratoconus, then DES treatment will not be effective. It is important to have a thorough eye exam to determine the cause of the astigmatism before beginning treatment.
Preventing Astigmatism
To prevent astigmatism from worsening there are several steps that should be taken, including wearing properly fitted glasses or contact lenses, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and having regular eye exams.
Wear Properly Fitted Glasses or Contact Lenses
When it comes to preventing astigmatism, wearing properly fitted glasses or contact lenses is key. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea of the eye is not perfectly round, which causes light rays to scatter, resulting in blurred vision. Poorly fitted glasses or contact lenses can worsen astigmatism by putting unnecessary strain on the eye, making it harder to focus and further distorting the shape of the cornea.
Therefore, it is essential to wear glasses or contact lenses that are properly fitted to your eyes. If you already have astigmatism, your optometrist will be able to provide you with lenses that can help to correct your vision, as well as prevent any further worsening of the astigmatism. Additionally, it is important to have regular eye exams to ensure that your glasses or contact lenses are still properly fitted and that your astigmatism has not progressed.
By wearing properly fitted glasses or contact lenses, you can help to keep your astigmatism from getting any worse. Wearing the wrong lenses can lead to further vision deterioration, so it is important to ensure that you are wearing the correct lenses for you.
Avoid Rubbing the Eyes
When it comes to preventing astigmatism, avoiding rubbing your eyes is an important step. Rubbing your eyes can cause damage to the delicate structures of the eye and worsen your astigmatism. Constant rubbing can lead to corneal abrasion which can lead to further complications such as scarring and astigmatism. If you have the urge to rub your eyes, try to distract yourself with other activities like a phone call, reading a book, or watching TV. If your eyes are itchy, try using a cold compress or artificial tears to soothe the itchiness. Taking breaks from screens and giving your eyes a break from contact lenses can also help. If you experience any symptoms of astigmatism, such as blurred vision, double vision, or headaches, see your eye doctor for a checkup.
Have Regular Eye Exams
Having regular eye exams is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent astigmatism from worsening. During an eye exam, your optometrist can check for signs of astigmatism and take corrective action if necessary. Additionally, your optometrist can monitor your vision to ensure that your astigmatism does not worsen over time. By catching astigmatism early, you can reduce the risk of it progressing, or even reverse it with corrective lenses or surgery. Furthermore, regular eye exams can help to detect other vision problems that may be a contributing factor to astigmatism, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Regular eye exams are also important to detect any early signs of eye diseases that can also cause astigmatism, such as glaucoma or cataracts. Therefore, by having regular eye exams, you can help to prevent astigmatism from worsening and ensure that your vision is always at its best.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurred vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea. The condition affects how light enters the eye, resulting in a distorted image. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available to help improve your vision.
The most common treatment for astigmatism is corrective eyewear, like glasses or contact lenses. These can help to refocus light entering the eye and improve vision. Laser vision correction surgery is another option that can be used to reshape the cornea and reduce astigmatism.
In some cases, astigmatism may be treated with herbal medicines and supplements. These can help to improve the clarity of vision by improving the circulation of fluids in the eye. Additionally, certain eye exercises can help to improve vision in people with astigmatism.
It’s important to note that in most cases, astigmatism cannot be cured, but can be managed with the right treatment. It is important to talk to an eye care professional about which treatment option is best for you. With the right treatment, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, astigmatism can be caused by hereditary factors, uncorrected refractive errors, age-related changes in the eye, eye injuries or trauma, and keratoconus. Additionally, there are several factors that can worsen astigmatism, such as eye exercises, poor lighting, poor posture, stress, prolonged use of technology, unhealthy habits, poor nutrition, eye allergies, exposure to UV rays, high altitude, and dry eye syndrome. Prevention and treatment of astigmatism can be done by wearing properly fitted glasses or contact lenses, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and having regular eye exams.
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