# What is Astigmatism? What are the Symptoms and Treatments?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/what-is-astigmatism-what-are-the-symptoms-and-treatments

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-15

> **Summary:** Astigmatism is a refractive error in which an abnormal curvature of the cornea or lens stops light focusing correctly on the retina, so near and far objects look blurred or distorted. It is treated with glasses, contact lenses, toric or trifocal toric lenses, or laser eye surgery.

## Quick Facts
- **Who:** Children and adults; usually present from birth, can also follow eye surgery or injury, and can be genetic.
- **Laser procedure:** Usually 5-10 minutes with anaesthetic eye drops; most patients see clearly within a few days.

---

## Symptoms
- Blurred and distorted vision
- Squinting to see more clearly
- Eye fatigue
- Headache
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Double vision
- Inability to read for a long time

## Astigmatism Test
In children it often goes unnoticed until a vision test and can affect reading and concentration. The test measures how the eyes focus light and determines the lens power needed. Tests used:
- Visual acuity test
- Keratometry
- Phoropter

## Treatment
- **Low-level astigmatism:** May not need treatment.
- **Glasses:** Recommended first, with specially designed cylindrical lenses; chosen with the doctor for frame comfort and lens clarity.
- **Contact lenses:** For clear vision without glasses; cleaning and maintenance are important and troublesome.
- **Intraocular lenses:** Toric lenses are recommended for astigmatism; trifocal toric lenses can treat astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia and any cataract in a single operation.
- **Laser eye surgery:** Reshapes the corneal surface using LASIK, PRK / No Touch laser or SMILE. Only mild discomfort may be felt. Suitability is determined by eye examination.

## Prevention and Daily Life
- It cannot be completely prevented, as causes are generally genetic or congenital.
- Screen use does not increase astigmatism but can increase eye strain; short breaks every 20 minutes at the computer ease strain but do not change the degree of astigmatism.
- Long screen use causes digital eye fatigue but does not make astigmatism progress.
- Regular examinations and the correct prescription give clear vision and ease symptoms.
- Eye exercises do not treat the defect; they only help relax the eyes and reduce fatigue.

## Without Treatment
The degree can stay the same for years or progress widely. Prescribed glasses should be worn.

## Myopic Astigmatism
Myopia (unclear far vision) and astigmatism (unclear far and near vision) occurring together.