Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects how light enters your eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. While many people live with stable astigmatism, others notice their vision changing over time. So, what causes astigmatism to worsen, and how can you manage it?

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a football, it may be more oval, like a rugby ball. This causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, resulting in blurry or distorted vision.

Astigmatism often appears alongside other refractive errors like shortsight (myopia) or longsight (hyperopia) and can affect both children and adults.

What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?

There are several factors that can lead to a progression of astigmatism over time:

1. Eye Growth and Development

In children and teenagers, the shape of the eye is still developing. During these growth phases, the cornea or lens can change, which may cause astigmatism to worsen. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor these changes and adjust prescriptions as needed.

2. Keratoconus and Corneal Disorders

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea lacks rigidity and can progressively change shape, leading to a worsening of astigmatism. If you’ve been told your astigmatism is getting worse quickly, this could be the underlying cause. Early diagnosis is crucial, as treatments like corneal cross-linking can halt the progression.

3. Eye Injuries or Surgery

Trauma to the eye, such as a corneal abrasion or surgical complications, can alter the shape of the cornea and lead to changes in astigmatism. Even certain types of refractive surgeries, if not properly managed, can sometimes affect corneal shape.

4. Rubbing Your Eyes

Excessive or aggressive eye rubbing can weaken and distort the cornea over time, especially in individuals with other corneal issues. If you suffer from allergies or chronic dry eyes, work with your eye care provider to manage the symptoms without rubbing.

5. Aging

As we age, the lens inside the eye can naturally change shape or develop cataracts, which may contribute to increasing astigmatism. Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect these changes early.

Managing Worsening Astigmatism

If you’re noticing changes in your vision or your prescription seems to be changing more frequently, it’s important to schedule an eye exam. At Vision Care Clinic, we can determine what causes astigmatism to worsen in your specific case and recommend appropriate treatments, including a recommendation for a simple glasses update, specialist contact lenses, or advanced procedures, when necessary.

Stay Ahead of Vision Changes

Understanding what causes astigmatism to worsen empowers you to take better care of your eyes. Whether it’s due to natural age related changes, medical conditions, or lifestyle habits, staying on top of your eye health with regular check-ups is the best way to protect your vision.

Contact Vision Care Clinic today to schedule your personalised eye exam and take the next step toward clearer sight.