Astigmatism is a common vision condition, but many people wonder if it can get worse over time and what they can do to prevent it. For Alexandria residents, understanding the potential for astigmatism to progress—and knowing when to seek help from an eye doctor—can make a real difference in maintaining clear, healthy vision. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision. Although it’s often stable, certain factors can contribute to its worsening, especially as we age.
At Nova Eye Care Center, our Alexandria eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and managing astigmatism. With regular check-ups and expert guidance, patients can keep their vision clear. This article covers what causes astigmatism to progress, key risk factors, and effective management strategies—offering insights for Alexandria residents curious about whether astigmatism can worsen over time.
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision at various distances, making daily tasks like reading or driving more challenging. Astigmatism can vary widely, from mild to more pronounced cases, and may occur alongside other vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
For Alexandria residents, knowing the basics of astigmatism is essential to recognizing any potential changes in vision. Unlike standard refractive errors, astigmatism can sometimes progress, requiring updated prescriptions or other corrective measures. Nova Eye Care Center offers thorough eye exams to detect astigmatism, ensuring that Alexandria patients receive accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.
Causes and Risk Factors for Worsening Astigmatism
While astigmatism is often stable, certain factors can cause it to worsen over time. For Alexandria residents, recognizing these risk factors can aid in proactive management of the condition.
Common causes and contributors include:
Aging: As we age, natural changes in the eye’s shape can lead to shifts in astigmatism. This is why regular eye exams become increasingly important over time.
Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time and activities that strain the eyes can contribute to vision changes, especially if not balanced with proper breaks and eye exercises.
Keratoconus: This eye condition causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, often leading to worsening astigmatism.
Injuries and Surgeries: Trauma to the eye or certain surgeries can sometimes alter the corneal shape, leading to progressive astigmatism.
By identifying these risk factors, the eye doctors at Nova Eye Care Center can work with Alexandria patients to reduce or slow any progression. Recognizing and addressing these factors early is key to managing astigmatism effectively.
Treatment and Management Options
To manage worsening astigmatism, Alexandria residents have access to a range of treatment options to maintain clear vision. At Nova Eye Care Center, our eye doctors provide personalized solutions to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Treatment options include:
Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses: Special lenses designed for astigmatism (toric lenses) help correct vision by compensating for the corneal irregularities. These lenses are a common and effective choice for most patients.
Specialty Contact Lenses: Options like rigid gas-permeable (RGP) and hybrid lenses can provide sharper vision for those with more severe astigmatism or irregular corneas.
Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK/PRK): For eligible candidates, LASIK or PRK surgery can reshape the cornea, offering a longer-term solution. While not suitable for everyone, these options can significantly reduce reliance on corrective lenses.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing screen time, using proper lighting, and taking regular breaks can help minimize eye strain, supporting overall eye health.
Each of these treatments has its benefits, and the team at Nova Eye Care Center is dedicated to helping Alexandria patients find the best approach for their specific needs. With the right care, you can effectively manage astigmatism and enjoy clearer, more stable vision.
FAQs
What causes astigmatism to get worse?
Astigmatism can worsen due to factors such as aging, eye strain from screen use, eye injuries, or conditions like keratoconus that affect the cornea’s shape.
Does astigmatism worsen with time?
Yes, astigmatism can worsen over time, particularly as a result of age-related changes in the eye’s shape or due to underlying eye conditions.
At what age does astigmatism get worse?
Astigmatism can worsen at any age, but changes are often more noticeable as people enter their 40s and beyond due to natural aging processes in the eye.
How do you stop astigmatism from getting worse?
Regular eye exams, wearing prescribed corrective lenses, reducing screen time, and taking breaks to avoid eye strain can help manage and potentially slow astigmatism progression.
Can LASIK fully correct astigmatism?
LASIK can effectively correct astigmatism for many people, though results depend on the individual’s specific eye shape and health. An eye doctor can help determine if LASIK is a suitable option.
Can children’s astigmatism worsen with age?
Yes, astigmatism in children can worsen, especially as their eyes develop. Regular eye exams are important to monitor any changes and update prescriptions as needed.
When should I see an eye doctor for astigmatism changes?
If you notice changes in your vision clarity, increased blurriness, or eye strain, it’s best to see an eye doctor. Alexandria residents can visit Nova Eye Care Center for a comprehensive eye exam and expert guidance on managing astigmatism.
Astigmatism can change over time, but with the right care, its impact on your vision can be managed effectively. By understanding the risk factors and staying proactive with regular eye exams, you can maintain clearer vision and address any progression early on. For Alexandria residents, Nova Eye Care Center offers expert care and personalized treatment options to help keep astigmatism in check.
If you’re experiencing changes in your vision or would like to discuss astigmatism management, schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors at Nova Eye Care Center today. We’re here to provide guidance and effective solutions for long-term eye health.
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