Yes, it can due to aging, injuries and medical conditions. Your astigmatism can worsen over time, especially without proper eye care. Studies show that 30-40% of people have some degree of astigmatism, and it often progresses due to aging, eye strain, or underlying conditions like keratoconus.
If you spend long hours on screens or experience frequent eye fatigue, your vision might become blurrier. Changes in your cornea’s shape can also make astigmatism more severe, leading to headaches, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to light.
This article will cover why astigmatism gets worse, symptoms to look out for and how to manage.
What is Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an optical condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, light enters the eye incorrectly and distorts vision. As a refractive error it is caused by uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, blurred images.
This irregular shape misdirects light rays and prevents proper focus on the retina and results in blurry or distorted vision.
Astigmatism comes in two forms, corneal astigmatism which affects the cornea and lenticular astigmatism which affects the lens. The degree of astigmatism can vary greatly among individuals from mild to more severe.
Symptoms are blurred or distorted vision which can affect daily activities and overall quality of life. About one in three people are affected by this condition making it a major vision problem worldwide.
Most people with astigmatism don’t experience significant changes over time. But it can be present from birth and can develop or worsen due to other factors.
Have you noticed any recent changes in your vision?
Factors That Can Make Astigmatism Worse
Several factors can make astigmatism worse over time. Aging is one of them, as structural changes in the cornea and lens can increase total corneal astigmatism.
The cornea can develop irregularities as we age and worsen visual clarity. We can also shift from with-the-rule to against-the-rule astigmatism as we age.
Other factors are trauma and eye injuries. For example keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape can worsen astigmatism.
Of course, injuries from sports, chemical exposure or accidents can introduce irregularities in the cornea or lens and worsen existing astigmatism.
- Aging increases total corneal astigmatism due to structural changes.
- Trauma is a major factor that can exacerbate existing astigmatism.
- Keratoconus worsens astigmatism due to cone shaped distortion of the cornea.
How Aging Affects Astigmatism?
The natural aging process can affect astigmatism big time. As we age our cornea and lens shape and flexibility changes, often resulting to increase in astigmatism severity. This can cause with-the-rule astigmatism common in younger adults to shift to against-the-rule astigmatism.
Aging affects not only the cornea but also the lens which can become stiffer and less flexible and worsen focusing issues related to astigmatism. This section will discuss more about that.
Corneal Changes
The cornea changes shape as we age and becomes more oblong and increases light scattering and higher degrees of astigmatism. These changes can affect vision and cause more blurry vision and eye strain.
Older individuals experience decline in anterior corneal astigmatism which can further complicate vision problems.
Lens Flexibility
The lens becomes stiffer and less flexible as we age and reduces its ability to focus on objects. This stiffness worsens focusing issues related to astigmatism and worsen visual acuity.
Lens flexibility can affect overall vision correction and makes it harder for the eye to adapt to changes in visual demands. So managing astigmatism becomes more difficult and requires regular monitoring by an eye doctor.
Eye Injuries and Astigmatism
Eye injuries can worsen astigmatism by introducing irregularities in the cornea or lens. These injuries can be from sports, chemical exposure or accidents and can cause trauma that worsen existing astigmatism.
Complications from eye surgery can also change the shape of the eye and can increase astigmatism.
Eye injuries can cause scarring and other changes that hinders proper focus. Specific causes are:
- Sports injuries
- Chemical exposure
- Accidents
- Surgical complications
Keratoconus is another condition that can worsen astigmatism. It causes the cornea to thin and bulge and forms a cone shape that worsens vision.
Corneal damage from irritants or excessive rubbing can cause scarring which can worsen existing astigmatism.
Genetics and Astigmatism
Genetics plays a big role in the development and worsening of astigmatism. Family history is a strong predictor, if your parents have astigmatism you are more likely to have it too. It can affect the shape and curvature of the cornea and can contribute to the onset and progression of this condition.
Signs of Worsening Astigmatism
Changes in vision clarity can be a sign that astigmatism is worsening. Symptoms like blurry vision or eye strain are common signs. Specific tests like visual acuity and refraction during eye exams can measure the severity of astigmatism. Symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Eye strain
- Difficulty focusing
- Distorted vision
Astigmatism Treatment
Corrective lenses like glasses and contact lenses are the most common way to correct astigmatism and improve vision by focusing light on the retina. Laser surgery like LASIK can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism and is an alternative to glasses and contact lenses.
See an optometrist to determine the best treatment for astigmatism. Below are the treatment options.
Corrective Lenses
Corrective lenses for astigmatism correct how light enters the cornea and focuses on the retina. Glasses refract light while contact lenses for astigmatism like rigid gas permeable lenses are more convenient and sharper vision.
Contact lenses can be a more practical option for many, no glasses or contact lenses hassle. Choose the right type of corrective lenses based on your needs and lifestyle.
Refractive Surgery
Laser eye surgery like LASIK or PRK are surgical options for astigmatism correction. The purpose of laser surgery is to reshape the cornea and correct the associated vision problems. LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea to reshape it with a laser while PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea for reshaping.
Not everyone is a good candidate for refractive surgery and this should be evaluated carefully with your eye care professional.
Stopping Astigmatism from Worsening
For example taking frequent breaks from screens and practicing good eye hygiene can reduce eye strain. Proper lighting while reading or working can also alleviate visual discomfort.
Key practices:
- Take frequent breaks from screens
- Practice good eye hygiene
- Proper lighting
- Wear prescribed corrective lenses consistently
Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are important for early detection and management of changes in astigmatism. Routine exams can detect worsening astigmatism and take necessary measures.
- Early vision problems detection
- Timely intervention
- Astigmatism monitoring
Bottom Line: Summary
- Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, blurred vision and it can vary in degree among individuals.
- Aging, trauma and genetics can make astigmatism worse, so get your eyes checked regularly for early detection.
- To prevent astigmatism from getting worse practice good eye care habits, take breaks from screens and wear prescribed glasses consistently.
