A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting the Optometrist for Worsening Astigmatism

Have you noticed that your vision has been blurry or distorted lately? Are things looking hazy or unfocused? If you have a history of astigmatism, these symptoms may indicate that your condition is getting worse. Astigmatism is a common refractive error where the eye's cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to refract or bend abnormally. When this happens, you may experience blurry or distorted vision at all distances. In this blog, we will explore the importance of visiting an optometrist for worsening astigmatism and how they can help you manage your condition.

Understanding Astigmatism: 

As mentioned earlier, astigmatism occurs when the eye's cornea or lens is shaped irregularly. This irregularity causes the light to bend in different directions, and when it enters the eye, it doesn't focus properly on the retina. As a result, objects can appear blurry or distorted, and you may experience eye strain, headaches, or difficulty seeing at night.

Signs of Worsening Astigmatism

If you have a history of astigmatism, it's important to monitor your vision regularly for any changes or worsening symptoms. Some common signs of worsening astigmatism include:

• Blurry or distorted vision at all distances
• Eye strain or discomfort
• Headaches
• Squinting or tilting your head to see more clearly
• Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to schedule an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible.

Visiting the Optometrist

When you visit the optometrist for worsening astigmatism, they will perform a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your vision and eye health. During the exam, they may perform a series of tests, including a visual acuity test to measure how well you see at various distances, a refraction test to determine your prescription and a keratometry test to measure the curvature of your cornea. They may also use a special instrument called a corneal topographer to create a detailed map of your cornea's shape.

Based on the results of your eye exam, your optometrist will determine the best course of action to manage your worsening astigmatism. This may include prescribing corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, that are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. They may also recommend vision therapy, which involves a series of exercises to help improve your visual acuity and eye muscle strength.

Managing Astigmatism at Home 

In addition to visiting the optometrist, there are also steps you can take at home to help manage your worsening astigmatism. One of the most important things you can do is make sure you are properly caring for your eyes. This includes:

• Taking frequent breaks when working on a computer or reading
• Positioning your computer screen or reading material at the appropriate distance
• Keeping your eyes lubricated with eye drops if you experience dryness
• Protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses or a brimmed hat

For more info, contact a local optometrist.