Astigmatism is a refractive error in the eye that causes blurred vision. This condition occurs when the cornea or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. While many people are born with astigmatism, it can worsen over time due to various factors.
Understanding the astigmatism causes is crucial for managing the condition effectively. In this blog post, we will explore the different factors that contribute to the worsening of astigmatism and provide strategies for managing it.
Understanding Astigmatism: A Quick Overview
Astigmatism is typically caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being perfectly round, the cornea or lens is shaped more like a football, causing light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than a single point. This results in distorted or blurred vision.
Astigmatism can occur alongside other refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). It can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which includes tests such as keratometry and corneal topography to measure the curvature of the cornea.
Genetic Predispositions and Their Role
Genetics plays a crucial and influential role in both the development and progression of astigmatism. If one or both of your parents have astigmatism, the likelihood of you developing this condition increases significantly. This is because genetic factors can have a profound impact on the shape and curvature of the cornea or lens within the eye.
Although you cannot alter your genetic makeup, being aware of your family history is essential. This awareness allows you to take proactive and informed steps to monitor your eye health and manage the condition effectively, ensuring better visual outcomes.
The Impact of Eye Strain and Overuse
Prolonged eye strain and overuse of the eyes can significantly exacerbate the symptoms of astigmatism, leading to further deterioration of vision quality. Engaging in activities that require intense visual concentration, such as spending extended hours staring at computer screens, reading for long periods without taking necessary breaks, or performing tasks that demand focused attention, can place considerable strain on the eye muscles. This continuous strain can contribute to the worsening of astigmatism over time. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to incorporate regular breaks into your routine, allowing your eyes to rest and recover, thereby reducing the risk of exacerbating astigmatism.
To mitigate this, it’s essential to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and maintain eye health.
Environmental Factors That Can’t Be Ignored
Environmental factors typically include elements like lighting, temperature, humidity, air quality, and noise.
- Poor lighting can lead to eye strain and decreased productivity.
- Extreme temperature can affect comfort and performance.
- High humidity can promote mold growth and discomfort.
- Poor air quality can lead to health issues. Excessive noise can cause stress and hinder concentration.
Using anti-glare screens, wearing sunglasses with UV protection, and ensuring adequate lighting in your workspace can help minimize these environmental impacts.
Effective Strategies for Managing Astigmatism
There are several strategies for managing astigmatism effectively. Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring the condition and updating prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses as needed. Specialized toric lenses can correct astigmatism more effectively than standard lenses.
In some cases, refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK can be an option for correcting astigmatism. Additionally, maintaining overall eye health through a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and incorporating eye exercises can also help manage the condition.
Conclusion
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that can worsen over time due to various factors, including genetic predispositions, eye strain, and environmental influences. Understanding these factors and taking proactive steps to manage them can help maintain better vision and quality of life.
By staying informed about your eye health, following recommended eye care practices, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can effectively manage astigmatism and reduce the risk of it worsening.
FAQs
Can astigmatism get worse with age?
Astigmatism can worsen with age due to changes in the eye’s shape and flexibility.
Is astigmatism related to myopia?
Astigmatism can be related to myopia, as both are refractive errors affecting vision.
How does keratoconus affect astigmatism?
Keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges, can increase astigmatism severity.
Can screen time worsen astigmatism?
Excessive screen time can contribute to eye strain, which may exacerbate astigmatism symptoms.
What are the best ways to prevent astigmatism from worsening?
Maintain regular eye exams, practice the 20-20-20 rule, and ensure proper lighting while reading or using screens.
Can LASIK or other surgeries fix astigmatism permanently?
LASIK and other surgeries can effectively correct astigmatism, often providing permanent results.
How often should I get my eyes checked if I have astigmatism?
It’s recommended to have your eyes checked at least once a year if you have astigmatism.