Astigmatism isn’t always stable. Your cornea’s irregular shape can change as you age, sometimes making your vision worse over time. These changes might happen slowly or appear more suddenly, depending on what’s causing them.
Keep reading to learn more about astigmatism, including the signs of a more serious condition, so you can protect your eyesight and maintain the clear vision you need for daily activities.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism happens when your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, an astigmatic cornea is shaped more like a football. This uneven curvature prevents light from focusing properly on your retina, which sits at the back of your eye, and causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances. You might notice that straight lines appear wavy, or you may struggle to see fine details clearly.
Why Does Astigmatism Get Worse Over Time?
Several factors can cause your astigmatism to worsen or change as you age.
Natural Aging Changes
Your eyes change throughout your life, just like the rest of your body. The cornea can shift shape gradually, which may increase astigmatism or create new vision problems. These changes typically happen slowly, so you might not notice them right away. That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams are so valuable for catching these shifts early.
Eye Conditions
Certain eye conditions can make astigmatism progress more quickly. Keratoconus, a disorder where the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward, is one of the most common culprits. This condition often starts in your teens or early twenties and can cause significant changes in astigmatism over time. Other corneal diseases or degenerations can also affect the shape of your eye and lead to worsening vision.
Injuries and Previous Surgeries
Physical trauma to the eye can alter corneal shape and increase astigmatism. Even minor injuries that seem to heal completely can leave lasting effects on your vision. Similarly, previous eye surgeries (including cataract surgery or corneal procedures) may cause changes in astigmatism as your eye heals and settles into its new shape.
Lifestyle Factors
Rubbing your eyes frequently can actually change the shape of your cornea and make astigmatism worse. This habit puts pressure on the eye’s surface and may contribute to conditions like keratoconus. Extended periods of eye strain from screen time or reading in poor lighting can also affect your vision, though these factors typically cause temporary discomfort rather than permanent changes.
When Should You See Your Eye Doctor?
Pay attention to these warning signs that your astigmatism may be getting worse. Frequent headaches, especially after reading or using a computer, can signal that your prescription needs updating. Squinting to see clearly, difficulty driving at night, or noticing that street signs appear blurry are all reasons to schedule an exam.
You should get your eyes checked at least once every year or two, even if you don’t notice changes. Your eye doctor can detect shifts in your astigmatism before they significantly impact your daily life.
During your exam, they’ll measure your corneal shape and determine whether you need a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
For those with progressive astigmatism, several treatment options exist. Updated prescriptions can restore clear vision in many cases.
Take Control of Your Vision
Astigmatism can change throughout your life, but you don’t have to accept blurry vision as inevitable. Regular eye exams help you stay ahead of these changes and keep your prescription current. With the right care and treatment, you can maintain clear, comfortable vision for years to come.
Concerned about changes in your astigmatism? Schedule a consultation at Fichte, Endl & Elmer in Buffalo, NY, today by clicking this link or calling 1-800-309-2020!
