Astigmatism

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a very common vision condition that causes blurry or distorted vision at near and far distances. It happens when the front surface of the eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape.

Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the eye surface is shaped more like a football. This causes light to focus unevenly inside the eye, leading to blurry vision.

At Summit Eye Care, we diagnose astigmatism through a comprehensive eye exam and provide customized treatment options to restore clear vision.

Common Symptoms of Astigmatism

Many people live with astigmatism without realizing it because symptoms can develop slowly.

You may have astigmatism if you notice:

• Blurry or distorted vision at all distances

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night

• Headaches after reading or screen use

• Eye strain or tired eyes

• Squinting to see clearly

• Glare or halos around lights

• Vision that feels inconsistent or fluctuates

If these symptoms sound familiar, a comprehensive eye exam can determine whether astigmatism is the cause.

Why does astigmatism cause blurry vision?

Astigmatism occurs when the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina.

Instead of one clear focal point, light is split into multiple focus points. This leads to:

• blurred vision

• distortion

• eye strain

• difficulty seeing fine details

What causes astigmatism?

Astigmatism is usually caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens. Common causes include:

• genetics (most common)

• natural eye shape variation

• eye injury or trauma

• previous eye surgery (less common)

• changes in the cornea over time

Astigmatism is NOT caused by reading, screen use, or poor lighting.

Why do my symptoms feel worse at night?

Many patients notice astigmatism most at night because low light makes focusing more difficult. Common night symptoms include:

• streaked or blurry headlights

• halos around streetlights

• reduced contrast

• difficulty driving safely

This happens because irregular focus becomes more noticeable in dim lighting conditions.

Why do I get headaches or eye strain?

• headaches

• eye fatigue

• burning or tired eyes

• difficulty concentrating during reading or screen use

How do I know if I have astigmatism?

The only way to know for sure is through a comprehensive eye exam.

At Summit Eye Care, we use advanced testing to measure how your eye focuses light and determine whether astigmatism is present.

Can astigmatism get worse over time?

Yes. Astigmatism can slowly change over time due to:

• natural aging

• changes in the cornea

• development of cataracts

• other eye health conditions

This is why routine eye exams are important even if your vision feels stable.

Can astigmatism be corrected?

Yes. Astigmatism is highly treatable.

Glasses

Glasses use a special cylindrical prescription to correct how light enters the eye and improve clarity.

Contact lenses

Toric contact lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism and provide clear, stable vision.

Refractive surgery

Some patients may be candidates for vision correction procedures, depending on eye health and prescription stability.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Contact Summit Eye Care in Winston-Salem, NC to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our team can evaluate your vision, determine if astigmatism is present, and help you take the next step toward clearer, more comfortable vision!