Experiences with

Astigmatism

Astigmatism, along with short-sightedness and long-sightedness, is a common cause of blurry vision. It's usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism means your eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football, so light is focused at more than 1 place in the eye.

This can cause:

  • blurred vision
  • headaches
  • eye strain (you may notice this after concentrating for a long time – on a computer, for example)

Astigmatism normally happens alongside short-sightedness or long-sightedness.

Astigmatism in 1 eye may cause lazy eye (where the vision does not develop properly). It's important this is spotted early so it can be treated.

Regular eye tests for children

Take your child for regular eye tests. Astigmatism, as well as short-sightedness or long-sightedness, may affect their reading or concentration.

Teenagers with astigmatism should also have regular eye tests to check for an eye condition called keratoconus. This causes the cornea to change shape.

Treatments for astigmatism

If astigmatism is affecting your eyesight, there are ways to correct it.

TreatmentProsCons
Glasses
  • the cheapest option
  • may be available free or discounted on the NHS
  • could get lost or broken
Contact lenses
  • choice of soft or hard lenses
  • can be a good choice if you're active
  • may be free or discounted on the NHS
Laser eye or lens surgery
  • may be permanent
  • may be better for people with more severe vision problems
  • risk of complications during or after surgery
  • not available on the NHS
  • can be expensive
  • some side effects

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

27 public posts

Health anxiety

A few weeks ago I convinced myself that I was going blind because I’d been dealing with dry eyes/eye strain/eye floaters/etc so I went to an optometrist who confirmed that my eyes are healthy and there’s nothing to worry about and that I have astigmatism so I was prescribed glasses.
in Anxiety Support

cataract surgery

Now then, apparently as told to me by surgeon, lowest lens, is $225 which he did not recommend, next up was $545, said this was best suited for me, even thought I do have astigmatism in eye that will be treated, Now, money is an issue for me, just before Christmas, and if you remember, my singon, diagnosed
in PMRGCAuk

Eye Strain - Dizziness - Tingling Fingers & Foot - 1 Month later?

I have worn glasses since I was 5 years old and have a lazy left eye and astigmatism, I have had to change my glasses prescription since as it wasn’t strong enough but even with new glasses my eyes still can only manage about 1hr of screen time before going in and out of focus(left eye).
in National Migraine Centre
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Visiual Disturbances

Well I’ve gotten a MRI done since then because it started freaking me out, & everything came back normal; and I’ve also seen my eye dr which everything was normal as well (besides finding out I now have an astigmatism).
in National Migraine Centre

Computer job-OK with GCA?

I’m very near-sighted and have some astigmatism. Pred has made my baby cataracts worse but not bad enough for surgery, so far just glare from lights and some loss of detail.
in PMRGCAuk

Double Vision (Diplopia)

Monocular diplopia can be caused by: Astigmatism — This is an abnormal curvature of the front surface of the cornea. Keratoconus — The cornea gradually becomes thin and cone-shaped.
in Thyroid UK

I’m so scared. I just want to be okay. Suicidal. Anxious 25/8

I saw a eye dr today and had an eye exam, everything was fine, she said my nerves looked beautiful, but i’m developing an astigmatism in my other eye and vision has kinda changed. It was so weird. I was fine until i got to googling stuff again. I’m so afraid.
in Anxiety Support

Wonky Eyes

Just got an eye exam in August and new glasses, only thing that optometrist saw was astigmatism. Said optical neuritis wasn't present, but whenever I wake up I see weird stuff, like images that aren't there, flashing lights and stuff.
in My MSAA Community

I’m losing my vision

I’ve been to the eye doctor about it and she said I have a slight astigmatism, but....would a slight astigmatism make this happen? Another reason why I’m scared for my vision is because I get ocular migraines.
in Anxiety Support

Myopic Macular and ecstasia

or different eye problems ...i have not only learned more but also feels less lonely ...I think.my eye problems started from a young age but not picked till much later ...had a cornea graph 36 years ago on my Right eye and on my left 16 years ago dye to keratoconos ..am very myopic -25R,-14 L with astigmatism
in Macular Society

Anxiety and vision issues. Any help appreciated.

I just got new glasses for astigmatism. I’ve been getting used to them for a week. They don’t seem to help. It also gets better if I close either eye-it doesn’t matter which or move my head in a certai position. Any any insight would help.
in Anxiety Support

Is distorted vision straight lines looking slightly wavy/bent ALWAYS macular degeneration?

Can an astigmatism cause this too?
in Macular Society

I’ve recently joined the wet macula brigade unfortunately!

My consultant says this glare problem is not related to macula degeneration, I have an astigmatism and cataracts forming on the eye too. Just wondered if anyone has this difficulty with this awful glare on top of wetAMD.
in Macular Society

Blurred periphial vision with CMT....?

I saw an eye Dr after the 2nd bout and he diagnosed me with an astigmatism which is unrelated. I am currently waiting to see a neurologist which can take months here in Canada. Btw, I am 49 years of age.
in Charcot-Marie-Tooth UK

Massage helped anyone?

I'm hoping my new glasses will help, I found out I have an astigmatism in both eyes. I also think a lot of the headaches are due to muscle tension, although I still have scary thoughts about other horrible causes.
in Anxiety Support

Is it safe for a diabetic patient to undergo laser eye surgery?

The ophthalmologist said that my left eye is diagnosed with astigmatism and he suggested undergoing laser eye surgery. I am planning to undergo this surgery. Does this surgery have side effects? How long does it take to recover from this surgery?
in Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation

Eyesight?

My eyes always feel tired and strained but the optician appointment I have a little over a year ago told me that I have an extremely slight astigmatism, so slight he couldn't even recommend glasses.
in Ehlers-Danlos Support UK

Colours

My eyes have been deteriorating over the past few years resulting in me having to wear glasses due to astigmatism which I never knew I had. Should I be worried?
in Thyroid UK

Advice 'PLEASE'

I have astigmatism so had to have a special lens fitted. The pain has not subsided and the eye drops seem to make the pain worse. Has anyone been through this and if so how long before things settle down. On top of everything else I think I am going mad. I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday xx
in NRAS

Want to go back onto the combined pill?

I went to get an eye test and have astigmatism in both eyes. I have had glasses for the past 3 months and I no longer have migraines. The POP gives me so many side effects, for one I've gained about 2st in weight and my mood has been affected. I've also got bad acne.
in FPA Contraception
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