Astigmatism: How to Spot It and What You Can Do

Ever noticed straight lines look bent or your vision stays blurry even with new glasses? That could be astigmatism. It’s common, often easy to fix, and affects how the eye focuses light. This page gives clear, practical steps so you know what to expect and what to ask your eye doctor.

What astigmatism feels like

Symptoms are usually obvious once you know them. You may see: blurred or stretched vision at any distance, double images, trouble reading small print, glare or halos around lights at night, and eye strain or headaches after reading. Kids might squint a lot or avoid close work. If any of that sounds familiar, write it down before your visit.

How doctors check for it

An eye exam is the only way to be sure. Your optometrist will do standard tests: a refraction to measure prescription, keratometry to check cornea curvature, and sometimes corneal topography for a detailed map. Those tests tell whether the cornea (front surface) or the lens inside the eye is irregular. The results show a cylinder number in your prescription — that’s the astigmatism power.

Tests are quick and painless. You’ll look at letters, lights, or patterns while the doctor switches lenses. If you wear contacts, bring them and also bring your glasses so the doctor can compare.

Real fixes that work

Glasses: The easiest and safest fix. Glasses use a special cylindrical lens to counter the irregular focus. Many people are fine with updated glasses—especially for mild astigmatism.

Contact lenses: Toric soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses correct astigmatism well. Toric lenses have a specific orientation so they stay aligned; ask about trial lenses to feel the difference. RGP lenses can give sharper vision for higher astigmatism but need an adaptation period.

Ortho-k: Night-time rigid lenses reshape the cornea temporarily. Good for children or people who don’t want daytime lenses, but it requires nightly wear and follow-up.

Surgery: Laser options like LASIK, PRK, or newer flapless techniques can reduce or remove astigmatism permanently. Not everyone is a candidate — factors like cornea thickness and overall eye health matter. Discuss risks, recovery time, and realistic expectations before deciding.

Practical tips: get regular eye checks (every 1–2 years or sooner if symptoms change), update your prescription when vision slips, and avoid buying off-the-shelf readers if you suspect astigmatism — they often make distortion worse. If you drive at night and notice glare, mention that to your eye doctor; some lens coatings help.

If symptoms are sudden, painful, or one eye changes fast, get medical attention right away. For most people, astigmatism is manageable with the right lens or a surgical option when appropriate. Start with a proper exam, try the recommended corrections, and pick the solution that fits your daily life.