Astigmatism is a common vision condition in which the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly round, causing blurred or distorted vision. In most cases, astigmatism is a stable condition that does not change over time. However, in some cases, astigmatism can get worse.

There are a number of factors that can cause astigmatism to worsen, including:

• Aging
• Eye injuries
• Certain medical conditions, such as keratoconus

If you have astigmatism, it is important to have regular eye exams to check for any changes in your vision. If your astigmatism is getting worse, your doctor may recommend treatment options such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

1. Age

As we age, the natural lens in our eyes becomes less flexible and more rigid. This can lead to changes in the shape of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. These changes can result in astigmatism, which is a condition that causes blurred or distorted vision.

• Facet 1: The shape of the cornea can change with age.

  The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye. It helps to focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As we age, the cornea can become thinner and more irregular in shape. This can lead to astigmatism.

• Facet 2: The lens of the eye can also change with age.

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  The lens is a clear, flexible structure that helps to focus light on the retina. As we age, the lens becomes less flexible and more rigid. This can also lead to astigmatism.

• Facet 3: Astigmatism can worsen with age.

  As the cornea and lens of the eye change with age, astigmatism can worsen. This can lead to more blurred or distorted vision.

• Facet 4: Treatment options for astigmatism are available.

  There are a variety of treatment options available for astigmatism, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery. These treatments can help to correct the blurred or distorted vision caused by astigmatism.

If you are experiencing blurred or distorted vision, it is important to see an eye doctor to rule out astigmatism. If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, there are a variety of treatment options available to help you improve your vision.

2. Eye injuries

Eye injuries can damage the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. This damage can lead to astigmatism, which is a condition that causes blurred or distorted vision.

• Facet 1: Corneal abrasions

  Corneal abrasions are scratches on the cornea. They can be caused by a variety of objects, such as fingernails, tree branches, or sandpaper. Corneal abrasions can cause pain, redness, and blurred vision. If the abrasion is severe, it can also lead to astigmatism.

• Facet 2: Corneal lacerations

  Corneal lacerations are cuts in the cornea. They can be caused by sharp objects, such as knives, scissors, or broken glass. Corneal lacerations can cause severe pain, bleeding, and blurred vision. They can also lead to astigmatism if they are not treated promptly.

• Facet 3: Corneal ulcers

  Corneal ulcers are sores on the cornea. They can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Corneal ulcers can cause pain, redness, and blurred vision. They can also lead to astigmatism if they are not treated promptly.

• Facet 4: Chemical burns

  Chemical burns to the eye can damage the cornea and lead to astigmatism. Chemical burns can be caused by a variety of substances, such as acids, alkalis, and solvents.

If you have injured your eye, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early treatment can help to prevent serious complications, such as astigmatism.

3. Medical conditions

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can cause blurred or distorted vision. In most cases, astigmatism is a stable condition that does not change over time. However, in some cases, astigmatism can get worse.

One of the most common causes of worsening astigmatism is keratoconus. Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, thins and bulges. This can lead to a number of vision problems, including astigmatism.

• Facet 1: Keratoconus is a progressive condition.

  Keratoconus is a progressive condition, which means that it usually gets worse over time. As the cornea thins and bulges, astigmatism can also worsen.

• Facet 2: Keratoconus can be caused by a number of factors.

  Keratoconus can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, eye rubbing, and certain medical conditions. It is also more common in people with certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Asian and Middle Eastern people.

• Facet 3: Keratoconus can be treated.

  There are a number of treatments available for keratoconus, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery. These treatments can help to slow the progression of the condition and improve vision.

• Facet 4: Early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus is important.

  Early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus is important to prevent vision loss. If you have any of the symptoms of keratoconus, such as blurred vision, ghosting, or halos around lights, see an eye doctor right away.

If you have astigmatism, it is important to have regular eye exams to check for any changes in your vision. If your astigmatism is getting worse, your doctor may recommend treatment options such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

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4. Pregnancy

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. In most cases, astigmatism is a stable condition that does not change over time. However, in some cases, astigmatism can get worse, including during pregnancy.

• Facet 1: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the cornea.

  During pregnancy, the body produces a number of hormones that can affect the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. These hormones can cause the cornea to soften and swell, which can lead to changes in the shape of the cornea. These changes can result in astigmatism.

• Facet 2: Astigmatism can worsen during pregnancy.

  For some women, astigmatism can worsen during pregnancy. This is because the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause the cornea to change shape. As the cornea changes shape, astigmatism can worsen.

• Facet 3: Astigmatism can improve after pregnancy.

  For most women, astigmatism will improve after pregnancy. This is because the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy will subside after the baby is born. As the hormones subside, the cornea will return to its normal shape and astigmatism will improve.

• Facet 4: Treatment options are available for astigmatism during pregnancy.

  If you are pregnant and experiencing changes in your vision, it is important to see an eye doctor. There are a number of treatment options available for astigmatism during pregnancy, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery. These treatments can help to correct the blurred or distorted vision caused by astigmatism.

If you have any questions about astigmatism during pregnancy, please talk to your doctor. They can provide you with more information and help you to determine the best course of treatment for you.

5. Eye strain

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. In most cases, astigmatism is a stable condition that does not change over time. However, in some cases, astigmatism can get worse, including due to excessive eye strain.

Eye strain is a condition that occurs when the eyes are overworked. This can happen when you focus on something for a long period of time, such as when you are working on a computer, reading, or driving. Eye strain can also be caused by glare, bright lights, or poor lighting. When you have eye strain, your eyes may feel tired, sore, or burning. You may also have headaches, difficulty concentrating, or blurred vision.

Excessive eye strain can put stress on the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. This stress can cause the cornea to change shape, which can lead to astigmatism. Astigmatism can also be caused by other factors, such as genetics, injuries, and certain medical conditions. However, eye strain can be a contributing factor in some cases.

If you are experiencing eye strain, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing astigmatism. These include:

• Take breaks from near work every 20 minutes.
• Look away at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
• Use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes.
• Get regular eye exams to check for astigmatism and other vision problems.

If you have astigmatism, there are a number of treatment options available, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery. These treatments can help to correct the blurred or distorted vision caused by astigmatism.

If you are experiencing eye strain or changes in your vision, it is important to see an eye doctor to rule out astigmatism and other vision problems.

FAQs about Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. In most cases, astigmatism is a stable condition that does not change over time. However, in some cases, astigmatism can get worse.

Question 1: Can astigmatism get worse?

Yes, astigmatism can get worse in some cases. This can be caused by a number of factors, including age, eye injuries, certain medical conditions, pregnancy, and excessive eye strain.

Question 2: What are the symptoms of astigmatism?

The symptoms of astigmatism can include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty seeing at night, headaches, and eye strain.

Question 3: How is astigmatism diagnosed?

Astigmatism is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your eye doctor will use a variety of tests to measure the shape of your cornea and lens.

Question 4: How is astigmatism treated?

Astigmatism can be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. The best treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your astigmatism and your individual needs.

Question 5: Can astigmatism be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent astigmatism. However, you can reduce your risk of developing astigmatism by protecting your eyes from injury and avoiding excessive eye strain.

Question 6: What is the prognosis for astigmatism?

The prognosis for astigmatism is generally good. Most people with astigmatism can achieve good vision with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

If you have any questions about astigmatism, please talk to your eye doctor.

Summary: Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can cause blurred or distorted vision. In most cases, astigmatism is a stable condition that does not change over time. However, in some cases, astigmatism can get worse. The best way to prevent astigmatism is to protect your eyes from injury and avoid excessive eye strain. If you have any questions about astigmatism, please talk to your eye doctor.

Transition to the next article section: Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can affect people of all ages. If you are experiencing blurred or distorted vision, it is important to see an eye doctor to rule out astigmatism and other vision problems.

Tips to Prevent Astigmatism from Getting Worse

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can cause blurred or distorted vision. While astigmatism is often a stable condition that does not change over time, there are some cases where it can get worse. If you have astigmatism, it is important to take steps to prevent it from getting worse.

Tip 1: Get regular eye exams.

Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring your eye health and vision. During an eye exam, your eye doctor will check for astigmatism and other vision problems. Early detection and treatment of astigmatism can help to prevent it from getting worse.

Tip 2: Protect your eyes from injury.

Eye injuries can damage the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. This damage can lead to astigmatism. To protect your eyes from injury, wear protective eyewear when playing sports or working with tools. Also, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

Tip 3: Avoid excessive eye strain.

Excessive eye strain can put stress on the cornea, which can lead to astigmatism. To avoid excessive eye strain, take breaks from near work every 20 minutes. Look away at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Also, use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes.

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Tip 4: Manage underlying medical conditions.

Certain medical conditions, such as keratoconus, can cause astigmatism to worsen. If you have a medical condition that affects your eye health, it is important to manage the condition to prevent astigmatism from getting worse.

Tip 5: Follow your doctor’s instructions.

If you have astigmatism, follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment. Your doctor may recommend eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery to correct your vision and prevent astigmatism from getting worse.

Summary:

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can be prevented from getting worse by following these tips. Regular eye exams, protecting your eyes from injury, avoiding excessive eye strain, managing underlying medical conditions, and following your doctor’s instructions are all important for preventing astigmatism from worsening.

Transition to the article’s conclusion:

If you have astigmatism, it is important to take steps to prevent it from getting worse. By following these tips, you can help to protect your vision and maintain good eye health.