Understanding Astigmatism: Key Differences Between Astigmatism, Short-Sightedness, and Long-Sightedness
Before you invest in new glasses, it’s essential to understand what your prescription is correcting. While short-sightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hyperopia) are common terms, astigmatism is often misunderstood. Let’s take a closer look at what astigmatism is, how it differs from other visual conditions, and how it’s corrected.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye isn’t perfectly round, causing light to enter the eye in an uneven way. This leads to blurry or distorted vision, not just at one distance but across both near and far. In other words, it’s a mix of short-sightedness and long-sightedness.
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Blurry Near Vision: You may struggle to read text or see close-up objects clearly.
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Blurry Distance Vision: You may find it hard to see things in the distance, like road signs or TV subtitles.
If you have astigmatism, your glasses prescription will help correct both of these issues. How often you need to wear your glasses depends on the severity of your astigmatism. If it’s mild, you might only need them for specific activities, but if it’s more severe, you may need to wear glasses all the time.
How Astigmatism Differs from Short-Sightedness and Long-Sightedness
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Short-Sightedness (Myopia): This condition means you can see near objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. It happens when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
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Long-Sightedness (Hyperopia): Here, close-up objects are blurry while distant objects are clearer. This occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.
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Astigmatism: Unlike myopia and hyperopia, astigmatism affects both near and distant vision. It occurs when the cornea or lens is shaped irregularly, causing light to be scattered across multiple points on the retina, resulting in blurry vision at all distances.
How Is Astigmatism Corrected?
Astigmatism is corrected with specially shaped lenses that help focus light evenly onto the retina. These lenses compensate for the uneven curvature of your eye. Depending on how strong your prescription is, you might only need glasses for activities like reading or driving, or you may need to wear them all the time.
What Should You Do Next?
If you think you might have astigmatism or you’re unclear about your prescription, it’s best to schedule a eye test so we can help you understand your vision needs.
Book a lens consultation today, and we'll guide you through understanding your prescription.