Blurry vision. Frequent headaches. Eye strain that just won’t go away.
For many people, these symptoms are easy to brush off or blame on stress, poor lighting, or long screen time. But what if they’re signs of a very common and often overlooked eye condition?
Astigmatism is one of the most frequent causes of unclear vision, affecting millions of people worldwide, including right here in Lagos. It is often misunderstood, but the good news is that it’s very manageable with the right diagnosis and treatment.
In this post, we’ll explain what astigmatism really is, how to recognize it, how it can affect your daily life, and where to get trusted, professional eye care in Victoria Island.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregular shape of the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) or the lens inside your eye.
In a healthy eye, the cornea and lens are smooth and evenly curved, allowing light to focus sharply on the retina at the back of the eye. However, in an eye with astigmatism, the curvature is uneven, more like a rugby ball than a football. This results in light scattering in different directions, causing blurred or distorted vision at any distance.
Astigmatism is not a disease and does not cause blindness. But if left uncorrected, it can significantly affect your quality of life and even lead to more serious issues such as eye fatigue, chronic headaches, or worsening vision over time.
Types of Astigmatism
There are three main types of astigmatism:
- Corneal Astigmatism: Caused by an irregular shape of the cornea.
- Lenticular Astigmatism: Caused by an irregular shape of the lens inside the eye.
- Mixed Astigmatism: A combination of both, causing light to focus in more than one incorrect place.
Astigmatism can also be classified as regular (the most common and easiest to correct with glasses or lenses) or irregular (more complex, often resulting from eye injury, surgery, or disease like keratoconus).
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism can be caused by several factors:
- Genetics: Many people are born with it, and it can run in families.
- Eye injuries: Trauma can change the shape of the cornea or lens.
- Eye surgeries: Certain procedures may affect the natural curvature of the eye.
- Keratoconus: A progressive thinning of the cornea that leads to severe irregular astigmatism.
It’s important to note that astigmatism can change over time, so even if you’ve had an eye exam in the past, you may need a new one if symptoms return or worsen.
Signs and Symptoms of Astigmatism
Many people have mild astigmatism and don’t notice any symptoms. But in moderate to severe cases, symptoms can include:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Squinting often to see clearly
- Eye strain or fatigue after reading or screen use
- Frequent headaches, especially after close-up work
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Trouble focusing or maintaining concentration
Children with untreated astigmatism may struggle in school due to difficulty reading, writing, or seeing the board clearly.
How Is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
At Vision Plus Specialist Eye Clinic in Victoria Island, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect astigmatism accurately. A comprehensive eye exam includes:
- Visual acuity tests measure how clearly you can see letters from a distance.
- Keratometry is used to measure the curvature of your cornea.
- Refraction testing to determine your exact lens prescription.
- Corneal topography for more complex cases, mapping the entire surface of your cornea.
Early diagnosis is key. Astigmatism can worsen over time if left uncorrected, but with regular check-ups, it can be effectively managed.
How Is Astigmatism Treated?
Astigmatism is highly treatable and doesn’t require surgery in most cases. Treatment options include:
Prescription Glasses
The most common solution. Glasses with cylindrical lenses correct the uneven curvature and help light focus properly on the retina.
Contact Lenses
Toric contact lenses are specially designed to fit the shape of an astigmatic eye. For some, contact lenses offer clearer and wider field vision than glasses.
Refractive Surgery
Procedures like LASIK or PRK reshape the cornea to correct the focusing problem. Surgery is typically recommended only in moderate to severe cases and after a full evaluation by an ophthalmologist.
Astigmatism in Children: Why It Matters
Astigmatism often develops in early childhood. If not caught early, it can lead to lazy eye (amblyopia) or learning difficulties. That’s why routine eye exams are critical for school-age children, even if they don’t complain about vision problems.
At Vision Plus, we offer pediatric eye screening designed to catch and correct astigmatism early before it affects learning or development.
Living With Astigmatism
With the right prescription and care, people with astigmatism can enjoy clear, comfortable vision. Regular follow-up appointments help track changes and ensure your glasses or contacts are always up to date.
It’s also helpful to:
- Limit excessive screen time and take regular breaks
- Use proper lighting when reading or working
- Stay hydrated and avoid rubbing your eyes
- Schedule yearly eye exams, even if your vision feels okay
Where to Treat Astigmatism in Victoria Island, Lagos
If you live or work in Lagos and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, Vision Plus Specialist Eye Clinic in Victoria Island is here to help.
We are known for:
- Comprehensive eye exams using state-of-the-art technology
- Tailored prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses
- Professional, compassionate eye care for adults and children
- Affordable packages and prompt service
Our team of trained optometrists and ophthalmologists is dedicated to helping you achieve the clearest vision possible.
Visit Our Victoria Island Branch Today
Don’t let blurry vision hold you back. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with astigmatism before or are just noticing new symptoms, now is the time to take control of your eye health.
Visit us at:
Vision Plus Specialist Eye Clinic
30 Babatunde Jose Street, off Samuel Manuwa, Victoria Island, Lagos
Call to book your appointment:
0906 855 6946
