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Symptoms of Worsening Astigmatism

If astigmatism worsens, individuals may experience the following symptoms:

1. Blurred or distorted vision, both near and far
2. Eye strain or discomfort, especially after prolonged periods of reading or screen time
3. Headaches, particularly around the temples or forehead
4. Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions
5. Squinting to see clearly

Factors Affecting Astigmatism Progression

While astigmatism is typically stable for many individuals, several factors can influence its progression, including:

1. Age: Astigmatism may change over time, particularly during childhood and adolescence when the eye is still developing. It’s not uncommon for astigmatism to stabilize in adulthood, but changes can occur later in life, especially after the age of 40.
2. Eye Health: Certain eye conditions, such as keratoconus or progressive myopia, can cause changes in corneal shape and worsen astigmatism. Additionally, conditions like dry eye syndrome or eye injuries may exacerbate existing astigmatism.
3. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can affect the shape and flexibility of the cornea and lens, potentially worsening astigmatism.
4. Environmental Factors: Prolonged exposure to digital screens, excessive near work, or environmental allergens can contribute to eye strain and exacerbate astigmatism symptoms.

To monitor your astigmatism’s progression, schedule regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist. They can track any changes in your eyes’ condition and provide guidance to halt and reduce its worsening.

If your astigmatism worsens significantly, your eye care professional might suggest different treatment options depending on your specific needs. Keeping an up-to-date prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses is also vital in maintaining clear vision. If you need to update your eyeglasses prescription, optometrists can offer you a great selection to choose from to help correct vision changes and minimize the symptoms of astigmatism.

Astigmatism is often present at birth but it can also develop over time, and most often occurs with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). The rate of astigmatism significantly increases from 14.3% in the under 15-year-old age group to 67.2% in the age group of over 65-years old.

Reference:

• sightmd.com/blog/understanding-astigmatism-progression
• optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-health/how-does-the-eye-work/astigmatism-top-9-faqs