Astigmatism, along with short sight and long sight, 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 one 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)
• glare whilst night driving

Astigmatism normally occurs alongside short sight - Myopia or long sight - Hypermetropia.

In young children, a high astigmatism may cause lazy eye/amblyopia. It's important this is spotted early so it can be treated.  Early detection improves treatment success.

Important

Take your child for regular eye examinations - astigmatism, as well as short sight or long sight , may affect their reading and concentration.

Find an optometrist (optician) here.

What you can do for astigmatism

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

Glasses

Pros - the cheapest option; may be available free or discounted on the NHS for eligible patients

Cons - could get lost or broken.  Under 16’s are eligible for replacement pairs that have been lost, and repairs for broken spectacles under the NHS

Contact Lenses

Pros - choice of soft or hard types; preferred by active people; may be free or discounted under the NHS for eligible patients

Cons - may not be suitable for everyone; risk of eye infection through poor contact lens hygiene.  Good compliance is important.

Laser eye or lens surgery

Pros - may be permanent; may be better for people with more severe vision problems

Cons - risk of complications during or after surgery; not available on the NHS; can be expensive; some side effects.

Sometimes restrictions depending on the level of prescription