You don’t even realize it but astigmatism and myopia are two peas in a pod, causing blurry vision and eye strain that can really mess up your daily life.
If you find yourself squinting at far objects or struggling to focus, it’s time you understand these conditions.
For this reason, I am here to explain astigmatism and myopia, so you’ll know the symptoms, key differences and treatment options.
What is Astigmatism ?
Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, so light scatters instead of focusing properly. This results to blurry or distorted images, like trying to take a clear picture with a damaged camera lens.
But people with astigmatism often experience headaches, eye strain and poor night vision which can affect daily life.
Meanwhile, regular check-ups with an eye care professional is important for early detection.
What is Myopia ?
Myopia or nearsightedness is another common refractive error. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved so light can’t focus properly on the retina. This results to blurry vision at a distance which can be really frustrating for kids trying to read from the blackboard at school.
Remember myopia runs in families so if your parents are myopic you might be too.
Astigmatism and Myopia Symptoms
Myopia presents as difficulty seeing far objects, squinting, eye strain and headaches. Astigmatism causes blurry vision at all distances, eye strain and poor night vision.
So having both can worsen the symptoms and make vision even blurrier.
A study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that the number of children and teens with myopia rose from 24% in 1990–2000 to 36% in 2020–2023. By 2050, 740 million cases are expected to have been diagnosed.
Here’s what you should look out for:
- Blurry vision at any distance
- Tired or strained eyes
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Double vision or overlapping images
Astigmatism and Myopia Causes
Refractive errors like astigmatism and myopia are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For example having one or both parents with these conditions increases your risk.
Studies have also found genetic factors that are linked to both diseases. High myopia and corneal astigmatism are both related to the ZC3H11B gene, which suggests that they share a genetic cause.
Also, activities that require prolonged near focus like reading or excessive screen time can increase the risk of myopia. Limited outdoor exposure has also been linked to higher risk of myopia in children.
In some cases myopia can be present at birth or develop due to eye trauma, illness or surgery. It often progresses during childhood and stabilizes in early adulthood.
Consider these causes:
- Genetic predisposition
- Prolonged near focus (like reading or screen use)
- Limited outdoor activity
- Previous eye injuries or surgeries
Astigmatism and Myopia Coexistence
Astigmatism and myopia often coexist and can make vision even blurrier than either condition alone. The overlapping effects of these refractive errors can make it hard to see clearly even with correction.
For those with both:
- Blurry vision despite correction
- Difficulty focusing near and far
- Overlapping or shadowed vision
- Eye strain and headaches
I’ve listed the Key Differences Between Astigmatism vs Myopia
| Feature | Astigmatism | Myopia (Nearsightedness) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A condition where the eye’s surface (cornea) or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances. | A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of on it. |
| Vision Affected | Blurry or distorted vision at both near and far distances. | Clear vision up close but blurry vision for distant objects. |
| Cause | Irregular shape of the cornea or lens. | Eyeball is too long, or the cornea has excessive curvature. |
| Symptoms | Blurred or distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing clearly at night. | Blurry distance vision, squinting, eye strain, and headaches. |
| Corrective Options | Glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery (like LASIK). | Glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK surgery. |
| Onset | Can be present at birth or develop over time. | Typically develops during childhood or teenage years. |
| Progression | May stay stable or worsen slightly with age. | Can worsen during growth years but stabilizes in adulthood. |
| Focus of Light | Light focuses unevenly on the retina, causing distortion. | Light focuses in front of the retina, causing blurry distance vision. |
Diagnosing Astigmatism and Myopia
To find out if you have myopia, astigmatism or both an eye exam is necessary. Regular eye checks are important for detecting and managing these common refractive errors which can get worse without intervention.
During your exam vision clarity tests will test how well you can read letters from charts at different distances. Refraction tests will determine the exact strength of correction needed for your lenses.
Also keratometry and corneal topography measure the shape of the cornea which is important for fitting contact lenses. High tech instruments may also be used to assess the internal structure of your eyes sometimes requiring pupil dilation for a better view.
Astigmatism Treatment
There are various treatments for astigmatism each tailored to your needs. Corrective lenses including eyeglasses and contact lenses work by changing how light enters the eye to improve clarity.
Astigmatism needs to be addressed to improve clarity and comfort. For those looking for a permanent solution refractive surgery like LASIK reshapes the cornea for long term vision improvement.
Eyeglasses for Astigmatism
Customized eyeglass lenses bend light correctly, compensating for the irregular shape of the eye. They correct refractive errors by making sure light rays converge on the right spot on the retina for clear vision.
For many eyeglasses are a practical solution for astigmatism. They’re easy to wear and can be styled to your taste.
Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Contact lenses also have a solution for astigmatism. Options are soft toric lenses and rigid gas-permeable lenses which are designed to counteract the irregular curvature of the cornea.
For those who lead active lifestyles or prefer convenience contact lenses are often the way to go. They provide a wider field of vision than traditional glasses so are a great option for those who don’t like to wear glasses.
Refractive Surgery for Astigmatism
Refractive surgery including LASIK is a permanent solution for astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. This procedure uses a laser to create a flap in the cornea to improve vision long term.
To find out if you’re a candidate for refractive surgery schedule an eye exam. Many have had high success rates and long term benefits from this procedure.
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Myopia Treatment
Myopia management involves various tools to correct refractive errors and improve vision. The main solutions are eyeglasses and contact lenses both are used for vision correction. An eye doctor can help you find the best option for you.
For a permanent fix refractive surgery is also available with long term results. I’ll go into each treatment’s pros and cons in the next sections.
Eyeglasses for Myopia
Eyeglasses correct myopia by bending the light as it approaches the retina for clearer distant vision. Toric lenses are often used to correct both astigmatism and myopia.
For many eyeglasses are a simple and practical solution. They can be styled to your taste and regular eye exams are important to keep your prescription accurate.
Contact Lenses for Myopia
Contact lenses are a sleeker alternative to traditional glasses positioned closer to the eye for a wider field of vision. By changing how light enters the eye these lenses improve clarity for distant objects.
Many prefer contact lenses for their convenience and style especially those who find glasses inconvenient or active.
Corrective Eye Surgery for Myopia
Laser eye surgery particularly LASIK is a permanent correction for myopia. By reshaping the cornea with lasers this procedure improves vision and reduces dependence on corrective lenses.
As a permanent solution for myopia refractive surgery is an option.
18 Prevention Tips
Limit screen time to avoid near focus. In this way, encourage outdoor activities especially for kids.
Here are 18 tips to keep your eyes healthy:
- Take regular breaks from screens.
- Promote outdoor activities for kids.
- Address myopia early and schedule regular eye exams.
- Consider multifocal contact lenses for kids.
- Astigmatism and Myopia: Lifestyle and Prevention Tips
- Get regular eye exams to monitor vision changes and detect issues early.
- Wear prescribed glasses or contact lenses to correct vision and reduce strain.
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
- Limit screen time and take frequent breaks to reduce digital eye strain.
- Ensure proper lighting while reading or using screens to avoid straining your eyes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, as it can worsen astigmatism and irritate your cornea.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful sunlight.
- Practice good posture while reading or using a computer to avoid additional strain.
- Get adequate sleep to give your eyes time to rest and recover.
- Use anti-glare screens on devices to reduce eye strain.
- Engage in outdoor activities to promote healthy eye development and reduce the risk of myopia progression.
- Avoid smoking to reduce the risk of eye-related diseases and complications.
- Consider vision therapy exercises recommended by an eye specialist to improve eye function.
Regular Eye Exams
These exams are crucial for early detection of eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts to prevent permanent vision loss.
An eye exam can also reveal broader health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure as a health surveillance tool.
Kids should have their first eye exam at 6 months old and follow up throughout their developmental stages to catch any emerging vision problems.
Adults without vision issues should have exams every 2-3 years, those with corrective lenses should have annual exams and seniors should have comprehensive exams annually for age related eye diseases.
Visual acuity tests should only be done by qualified professionals like optometrists or ophthalmologists to get an accurate diagnosis.
Bottom Line
As you can see, astigmatism and myopia are two common refractive errors that affect vision differently. Astigmatism causes blurry vision at all distances because of irregular curvature of the eye, myopia affects distance vision.
Also both conditions have similar symptoms like blurry vision, eye strain and headaches.
Don’t wait for eye exams to detect and treat eye problems. Practice healthy habits and seek professional help and you’ll have clear vision and a better life.
