Astigmatism: Causes, Why It Appears in Children and Adults

The diagnosis of "astigmatism" often catches a person off guard, and the first question they ask the doctor is where it came from. Astigmatism means that the eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a round ball, so light focuses not at a single point but at several at once. Let us calmly and methodically examine what causes doctors identify and what medicine knows about this.

What astigmatism is

Astigmatism is a type of refractive error in the eye in which the image appears blurred. Light passes through the front part of the eye and should focus on the retina, that is, on the inner surface at the back of the eye. In astigmatism, the cornea, the clear front covering of the eye, has an unusual curvature, and the rays do not converge at a focus, so it is difficult for a person to make out fine details both near and at a distance. Astigmatism is very common and usually occurs together with myopia or hyperopia.

Congenital astigmatism: causes and heredity

Most often astigmatism is present in a person from birth. The exact cause of its appearance is unknown to science. There is no data indicating that astigmatism is inherited; it is only known that most often it is present from birth, and the exact cause is unknown. In children, astigmatism sometimes affects only one eye, and then vision in that eye may develop incorrectly, so it needs to be recognized as early as possible. Astigmatism can also make it difficult for a child to read and concentrate.

Acquired astigmatism: what causes it

Sometimes astigmatism occurs after certain types of eye surgery, for example after surgery to remove a cataract, that is, clouding of the lens. Doctors separately mention a link between astigmatism and an eye disease called keratoconus, in which the cornea changes shape. If astigmatism worsens over time, this may be a sign of keratoconus, and then regular vision checks by a specialist are needed.

Astigmatism in adults: causes

In adults the causes are the same: a congenital feature of the cornea, previous eye surgeries, keratoconus. Astigmatism can change over time, and then the person needs new glasses or contact lenses. You should see a doctor if vision problems worsen or do not improve with glasses and lenses.

Do stress and nerves affect astigmatism

No link between astigmatism and stress or nervous tension has been described; the causes named are the congenital shape of the cornea, eye surgeries, and keratoconus. Eye strain after long work at a computer is one of the signs of astigmatism, not its cause.

How astigmatism is detected

Astigmatism is easily detected during a routine vision test with lens selection, and in most cases special examinations are not needed. For children or adults who cannot answer questions during a routine test, refraction is measured using a device that uses reflected light. You should book a vision test if you or your child have signs of astigmatism or if a test has not been done for two years.

• Blurred vision near and at a distance.
• Headaches.
• Eye strain after prolonged concentration, for example at a computer.
• Difficulty reading or concentrating in a child.

Having astigmatism in itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — for life-threatening conditions, for example suspected stroke or heart attack.

This material is for reference: it explains where astigmatism comes from but does not replace a doctor's consultation, and the final conclusions about your vision are made by a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer