# How Do People with Astigmatism See?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/how-do-people-with-astigmatism-see

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-12

> **Summary:** Astigmatism is a refractive error in which distant and nearby objects look blurred, because the cornea is not perfectly round and refracts light unevenly. It is corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and in suitable eyes with laser or lens-based treatments.

## Quick Facts
- **Measured in:** dioptres, generally from 0.25, in some people as high as 6.00
- **Diagnosis:** eye examination, autorefractor, retinoscopy, keratometer, corneal topography if progression is suspected
- **Prevention:** not possible
- **Heals on its own:** no

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## What Is Astigmatism?
The cornea at the front of the eye is not perfectly round, so light entering the eye is refracted unevenly and both distant and nearby objects look blurred; scattering can appear around lights. It can also bring tired eyes, inability to drive at night, headache and squinting.

## Causes
The structure of the cornea and lens differs from usual, generally hereditary and present from birth. Other causes:
- Genetic factors
- Eye surgery and complications during eye surgery
- Eye injuries
- Pressure on the cornea from the eyelids
- Keratoconus

## Symptoms
- Blurred image at near and distance
- Headache
- Watering eyes
- Greater decline in night vision
- Squinting to focus
- Occasional dizziness
- Tired eyes

If symptoms appear or worsen, an ophthalmologist should be consulted as soon as possible.

## Degrees of Astigmatism
- **Low:** generally below 0.75 D, the beginning stage; symptoms very rarely appear in daily life.
- **Moderate:** generally between 0.75 and 2.00 D; noticeable blurring at distance and near, glasses and contact lenses used daily.
- **High (severe):** above 2.00; quality of life falls considerably, objects also look distorted and wavy; treated generally with glasses, lenses or refractive surgery such as LASIK.

## Diagnosis
- The doctor takes the complaints and family history, with routine eye examinations.
- Autorefractor and retinoscopy strengthen the diagnosis.
- Corneal topography if progressive astigmatism is suspected.
- Keratometer measures corneal curvature, important for contact lens suitability.

## Treatment
The method depends on the person's age, degree of astigmatism and eye structure. Glasses and contact lenses are generally used first. Regular check-ups matter because astigmatism does not heal on its own and the degree can rise over time. Options:
- Individually prescribed astigmatism glasses
- Contact lenses
- Various laser treatments
- Toric intraocular lenses (monofocal or trifocal toric)
- Intraocular lenses
- Phakic intraocular lens surgery

### By Age
- **Ages 18 to 45:** in suitable eyes, laser (LASIK, PRK / No Touch, SMILE). If astigmatism is very high or the cornea is unsuitable for laser, an ICL (implantable Collamer lens) can be chosen: a special lens placed in the eye while the natural lens stays in place, effective for high astigmatism or a thin cornea.
- **Ages 45 and over:** generally toric intraocular lenses, during cataract surgery or through refractive lens exchange; the lens's built-in cylindrical power corrects the astigmatism.

## Prevention
Not possible: some people inherit it from a parent, in others it appears as the eyes grow. Early detection through regular eye examinations and correction are important.

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: How does someone with astigmatism see?**
A: Near and distant images can be blurred and shadowed, and scattering can be seen around lights.

**Q: Does astigmatism progress?**
A: It can begin in childhood and progress, and should be followed with regular examinations.

**Q: Does astigmatism clear completely?**
A: It does not correct itself. It is brought under control with glasses, lenses or surgery.

**Q: Can astigmatism be corrected with laser?**
A: Yes, in patients whose eye structure is suitable.

**Q: Does astigmatism cause headaches?**
A: Yes, uncorrected astigmatism in particular can lead to eye strain and headache.