[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1153},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-\u002Feye-health\u002Fastigmatism":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":1152},{"contentPage":11},{"entryTitle":12,"pageTitle":13,"seoMetaData":14,"topSection":18,"bottomSection":30,"anchors":44,"mainSectionCollection":77},"en-IE - Eye Health - Astigmatism - Content Page","What is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment",{"metaDescription":15,"indexed":16,"follow":16,"metaKeywords":17,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":16},"Astigmatism is a common visual condition that can cause blurred vision. 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",{"__typename":87,"sys":88,"switchSequenceAtMobile":17,"backgroundTheme":90,"rightColumnCollection":91,"leftColumnCollection":97},"TwoColumnLayout",{"id":89},"2anUDDT80T8ranzIEBdAvo","Blue",{"items":92},[93],{"__typename":94,"altText":95,"videoId":96},"YoutubeVideo","What Is Astigmatism | Specsavers","aBuLR3TYX1c",{"items":98},[99],{"__typename":100,"sys":101,"theme":103,"genericTextComponent":104},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":102},"5XmJBTcd0z6gRuU7fMZo2f","Mono White",{"json":105,"links":162},{"nodeType":106,"data":107,"content":108},"document",{},[109,118],{"nodeType":110,"data":111,"content":112},"heading-3",{},[113],{"nodeType":114,"value":115,"marks":116,"data":117},"text","What does astigmatism mean?",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":120,"content":121},"paragraph",{},[122,126,135,139,147,151,158],{"nodeType":114,"value":123,"marks":124,"data":125},"If you’re looking for the meaning of astigmatism, it’s simply an imperfection in the shape of your eye that affects how you see. It’s not an eye disease. It just means your eye is shaped slightly differently. Lots of people have astigmatism, and it can easily be corrected with ",[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":128,"content":130},"hyperlink",{"uri":129},"\u002Fglasses\u002Fall-glasses",[131],{"nodeType":114,"value":132,"marks":133,"data":134},"glasses",[],{},{"nodeType":114,"value":136,"marks":137,"data":138}," or ",[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":140,"content":142},{"uri":141},"\u002Fcontact-lenses\u002Ftoric",[143],{"nodeType":114,"value":144,"marks":145,"data":146},"contact lenses",[],{},{"nodeType":114,"value":148,"marks":149,"data":150},". Your optometrist can spot astigmatism during a standard ",[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":152,"content":153},{"uri":28},[154],{"nodeType":114,"value":155,"marks":156,"data":157},"eye test",[],{},{"nodeType":114,"value":159,"marks":160,"data":161},". ",[],{},{"entries":163},{"block":164},[],{"__typename":100,"sys":166,"theme":103,"genericTextComponent":168},{"id":167},"1QuzvNG2ue1zHwrrXHgMd0",{"json":169,"links":229},{"nodeType":106,"data":170,"content":171},{},[172,179,222],{"nodeType":110,"data":173,"content":174},{},[175],{"nodeType":114,"value":176,"marks":177,"data":178},"How does astigmatism affect your vision? ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":180,"content":181},{},[182,186,194,198,206,210,218],{"nodeType":114,"value":183,"marks":184,"data":185},"Astigmatism often causes ",[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":187,"content":189},{"uri":188},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fblurry-vision",[190],{"nodeType":114,"value":191,"marks":192,"data":193},"blurry vision",[],{},{"nodeType":114,"value":195,"marks":196,"data":197},", especially around the edges of what you're looking at. It can make your vision look distorted or stretched out, a bit like looking in a funhouse mirror. Things might seem out of focus, and straight lines might look wobbly or slanted. Some people with astigmatism notice ",[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":199,"content":201},{"uri":200},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fhalos-around-lights",[202],{"nodeType":114,"value":203,"marks":204,"data":205},"halos around lights",[],{},{"nodeType":114,"value":207,"marks":208,"data":209},", especially when driving at night. Things might seem out of focus, especially around the edges. You might notice it more when reading small text or switching between near and far. If you’ve got astigmatism in both eyes, it can affect your depth perception too, making things feel just a bit “off”. Some people also report ",[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":211,"content":213},{"uri":212},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-strain",[214],{"nodeType":114,"value":215,"marks":216,"data":217},"eye strain",[],{},{"nodeType":114,"value":219,"marks":220,"data":221}," or a slight sense of imbalance, especially without the right lenses. ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":223,"content":224},{},[225],{"nodeType":114,"value":226,"marks":227,"data":228},"\n",[],{},{"entries":230},{"block":231},[],{"__typename":100,"sys":233,"theme":234,"genericTextComponent":235},{"id":56},"Cool Blue",{"json":236,"links":322},{"data":237,"content":238,"nodeType":106},{},[239,247,254,299,306,315],{"data":240,"content":241,"nodeType":246},{},[242],{"data":243,"marks":244,"value":245,"nodeType":114},{},[],"What are the symptoms of Astigmatism? ","heading-2",{"data":248,"content":249,"nodeType":119},{},[250],{"data":251,"marks":252,"value":253,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Not sure if you’ve got astigmatism? These are some of the symptoms: ",{"data":255,"content":256,"nodeType":298},{},[257,268,278,288],{"data":258,"content":259,"nodeType":267},{},[260],{"data":261,"content":262,"nodeType":119},{},[263],{"data":264,"marks":265,"value":266,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Things look blurry or stretched  ","list-item",{"data":269,"content":270,"nodeType":267},{},[271],{"data":272,"content":273,"nodeType":119},{},[274],{"data":275,"marks":276,"value":277,"nodeType":114},{},[],"You struggle to read small text or focus on screens ",{"data":279,"content":280,"nodeType":267},{},[281],{"data":282,"content":283,"nodeType":119},{},[284],{"data":285,"marks":286,"value":287,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Lights seem to glare or scatter, especially at night  ",{"data":289,"content":290,"nodeType":267},{},[291],{"data":292,"content":293,"nodeType":119},{},[294],{"data":295,"marks":296,"value":297,"nodeType":114},{},[],"You get headaches or eye strain after using your eyes for a while  ","ordered-list",{"data":300,"content":301,"nodeType":119},{},[302],{"data":303,"marks":304,"value":305,"nodeType":114},{},[],"It can be easy to miss, especially if it’s mild. But if your eyes don’t feel quite right, an eye test can help figure it out.",{"data":307,"content":313,"nodeType":314},{"target":308},{"sys":309},{"id":310,"type":311,"linkType":312},"7LVlKnw0P7kN3T1LzG9EEh","Link","Entry",[],"embedded-entry-block",{"data":316,"content":317,"nodeType":119},{},[318],{"data":319,"marks":320,"value":321,"nodeType":114},{},[],"",{"entries":323},{"block":324},[325],{"__typename":311,"sys":326,"linkText":327,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},{"id":310},"Book an eye test",{"__typename":100,"sys":329,"theme":103,"genericTextComponent":331},{"id":330},"5qPhI2Ef5YpZnK5BwxuT4K",{"json":332,"links":419},{"data":333,"content":334,"nodeType":106},{},[335,342,349,413],{"data":336,"content":337,"nodeType":110},{},[338],{"data":339,"marks":340,"value":341,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Different types of astigmatism",{"data":343,"content":344,"nodeType":119},{},[345],{"data":346,"marks":347,"value":348,"nodeType":114},{},[],"There are various types of astigmatism, based on which part of the eye it affects: ",{"data":350,"content":351,"nodeType":298},{},[352,368,383,398],{"data":353,"content":354,"nodeType":267},{},[355],{"data":356,"content":357,"nodeType":119},{},[358,364],{"data":359,"marks":360,"value":363,"nodeType":114},{},[361],{"type":362},"bold","Corneal astigmatism:",{"data":365,"marks":366,"value":367,"nodeType":114},{},[]," This happens when the cornea, the clear, curved surface at the front of your eye, isn’t evenly rounded. Instead of being shaped like a football, it’s more like a rugby ball, which bends light unevenly and makes your vision appear blurry or distorted.",{"data":369,"content":370,"nodeType":267},{},[371],{"data":372,"content":373,"nodeType":119},{},[374,379],{"data":375,"marks":376,"value":378,"nodeType":114},{},[377],{"type":362},"Myopic astigmatism:",{"data":380,"marks":381,"value":382,"nodeType":114},{},[]," This is a type of astigmatism where part of the eye is short-sighted. That means light focuses in front of the retina, which can make things look blurry, especially at a distance. If both directions of the eye’s curve are short-sighted (but to different levels), it’s called compound myopic astigmatism. ",{"data":384,"content":385,"nodeType":267},{},[386],{"data":387,"content":388,"nodeType":119},{},[389,394],{"data":390,"marks":391,"value":393,"nodeType":114},{},[392],{"type":362},"Hyperopic astigmatism: ",{"data":395,"marks":396,"value":397,"nodeType":114},{},[],"In this case, part of the eye is long-sighted, which means light focuses behind the retina. If both directions of the eye’s curve are long-sighted, but to different degrees, it’s called compound hyperopic astigmatism. If just one eye is affected, it’s simple hyperopic astigmatism. This can make nearby things look blurry or harder to focus on. ",{"data":399,"content":400,"nodeType":267},{},[401],{"data":402,"content":403,"nodeType":119},{},[404,409],{"data":405,"marks":406,"value":408,"nodeType":114},{},[407],{"type":362},"Mixed astigmatism:",{"data":410,"marks":411,"value":412,"nodeType":114},{},[]," With this type, one direction of the eye is short-sighted, and the other is long-sighted. That mix makes it hard for your eyes to focus clearly, whether something’s near or far. It can cause general blur and distortion at all distances.  ",{"data":414,"content":415,"nodeType":119},{},[416],{"data":417,"marks":418,"value":321,"nodeType":114},{},[],{"entries":420},{"block":421},[],{"__typename":423,"sys":424,"title":426,"body":427,"imageAltText":428,"theme":429,"imageMobileTablet":430,"imageDesktop":432,"buttonsCollection":434},"SplitBanner",{"id":425},"61PTVevJsCaniwINZlYKBY","Do these symptoms sound familiar?","If you have experienced any of the astigmatism symptoms above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.","A female optician performs an eye test for astigmatism on a man","Aloe Green",{"url":431},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F3YtjE1RIi3ELfhdPGTDHkA\u002Fabb782bb611c9ec4d2ff0f4e0d803198\u002FClinical-Shoot-2003---Eye-Test-1---1536x864.jpg",{"url":433},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F7hJUdeEsd53lRq2Gqrd11i\u002Fc253b9299edbd53d85f6cb528dd842d3\u002FClinical-Shoot-2003---Eye-Test-1---940x1000.jpg",{"items":435},[436],{"linkText":327,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},{"__typename":100,"sys":438,"theme":234,"genericTextComponent":439},{"id":61},{"json":440,"links":457},{"data":441,"content":442,"nodeType":106},{},[443,450],{"data":444,"content":445,"nodeType":246},{},[446],{"data":447,"marks":448,"value":449,"nodeType":114},{},[],"What causes Astigmatism?",{"data":451,"content":452,"nodeType":119},{},[453],{"data":454,"marks":455,"value":456,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Astigmatism is usually something you’re born with. It often runs in families and is linked to the shape of your eye, usually the front part (the cornea), or sometimes the lens inside. If either is more curved in one direction than the other, light doesn’t focus properly, which can blur your vision. It’s also more common in babies who are born early or with a low birth weight. In many children, it can improve as they grow and their eyes develop. You can also develop astigmatism later in life, either gradually or because of changes to your eye. ",{"entries":458},{"block":459},[],{"__typename":461,"sys":462,"guideVideo":17,"title":464,"subtitle":17,"guideType":465,"theme":466,"guideItemsCollection":467},"GuideContainer",{"id":463},"4dDMM09v0NnSzamLTN0fn4","Other causes of astigmatism ","Stepped","Colour",{"items":468},[469,488,501,514,527,546],{"itemBody":470,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":487,"imageAltText":17},{"json":471},{"nodeType":106,"data":472,"content":473},{},[474,481],{"nodeType":119,"data":475,"content":476},{},[477],{"nodeType":114,"value":478,"marks":479,"data":480},"As your eyes change shape over time, astigmatism can develop, especially alongside other common sight issues like short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Sometimes astigmatism can develop alongside conditions like cataracts. ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":482,"content":483},{},[484],{"nodeType":114,"value":321,"marks":485,"data":486},[],{},"Natural changes with age: ",{"itemBody":489,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":500,"imageAltText":17},{"json":490},{"nodeType":106,"data":491,"content":492},{},[493],{"nodeType":119,"data":494,"content":495},{},[496],{"nodeType":114,"value":497,"marks":498,"data":499},"This is a rare condition where the cornea becomes thinner and starts to bulge outwards, causing more noticeable astigmatism. ",[],{},"Keratoconus:",{"itemBody":502,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":513,"imageAltText":17},{"json":503},{"nodeType":106,"data":504,"content":505},{},[506],{"nodeType":119,"data":507,"content":508},{},[509],{"nodeType":114,"value":510,"marks":511,"data":512},"Procedures like cataract surgery can sometimes change the shape of your cornea and lead to astigmatism. ",[],{},"Eye Surgery:",{"itemBody":515,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":526,"imageAltText":17},{"json":516},{"nodeType":106,"data":517,"content":518},{},[519],{"nodeType":119,"data":520,"content":521},{},[522],{"nodeType":114,"value":523,"marks":524,"data":525},"An accident or injury can damage or scar the cornea, which might affect its shape and lead to astigmatism. ",[],{},"Eye injury or trauma:",{"itemBody":528,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":545,"imageAltText":17},{"json":529},{"nodeType":106,"data":530,"content":531},{},[532,539],{"nodeType":119,"data":533,"content":534},{},[535],{"nodeType":114,"value":536,"marks":537,"data":538},"If you’ve had a serious eye infection or corneal ulcer, it can leave scar tissue that changes how light enters your eye. ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":540,"content":541},{},[542],{"nodeType":114,"value":321,"marks":543,"data":544},[],{},"Scarring from infections:",{"itemBody":547,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":558,"imageAltText":17},{"json":548},{"nodeType":106,"data":549,"content":550},{},[551],{"nodeType":119,"data":552,"content":553},{},[554],{"nodeType":114,"value":555,"marks":556,"data":557},"Wearing hard or rigid lenses for too long, or not fitting them properly, can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. If this happens, stopping or adjusting your lens wear usually helps things settle back down. ",[],{},"Contact lens wear:",{"__typename":100,"sys":560,"theme":103,"genericTextComponent":561},{"id":66},{"json":562,"links":612},{"data":563,"content":564,"nodeType":106},{},[565,572,579,586,593,600,606],{"data":566,"content":567,"nodeType":246},{},[568],{"data":569,"marks":570,"value":571,"nodeType":114},{},[],"How is astigmatism diagnosed?",{"data":573,"content":574,"nodeType":119},{},[575],{"data":576,"marks":577,"value":578,"nodeType":114},{},[],"When you come in for an eye test, your optometrist will ask about your vision and talk through anything you've noticed, like blur, glare or tired eyes. ",{"data":580,"content":581,"nodeType":119},{},[582],{"data":583,"marks":584,"value":585,"nodeType":114},{},[],"One of the early checks we do is with an autorefractor, a machine that shines a light into your eye and measures how it bounces back. It helps us spot if your eye is focusing light differently in different directions, which could suggest astigmatism. ",{"data":587,"content":588,"nodeType":119},{},[589],{"data":590,"marks":591,"value":592,"nodeType":114},{},[],"We may also do what’s called a retinoscopy. That’s where your optometrist uses a small torch-like device to shine a light in your eye and watch how it reflects. It’s a quick and clever way to check how your eye bends light and how much correction might be needed. ",{"data":594,"content":595,"nodeType":119},{},[596],{"data":597,"marks":598,"value":599,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Then there’s the Jackson cross cylinder test. You’ll be shown two different lenses and asked which one is clearer. It helps us fine-tune your prescription and work out the best lens to correct any astigmatism. ",{"data":601,"content":605,"nodeType":314},{"target":602},{"sys":603},{"id":604,"type":311,"linkType":312},"5nAv7UaoRRqTNMnfWFZ2Ok",[],{"data":607,"content":608,"nodeType":119},{},[609],{"data":610,"marks":611,"value":321,"nodeType":114},{},[],{"entries":613},{"block":614},[615],{"__typename":311,"sys":616,"linkText":27,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},{"id":604},{"__typename":100,"sys":618,"theme":234,"genericTextComponent":619},{"id":71},{"json":620,"links":760},{"nodeType":106,"data":621,"content":622},{},[623,630,637,644,651,667,674,681,698,705,712,729,736,743],{"nodeType":246,"data":624,"content":625},{},[626],{"nodeType":114,"value":627,"marks":628,"data":629},"How is astigmatism treated? ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":631,"content":632},{},[633],{"nodeType":114,"value":634,"marks":635,"data":636},"No two eyes are the same. Your optometrist will help find the right option for your eyes and lifestyle. ",[],{},{"nodeType":110,"data":638,"content":639},{},[640],{"nodeType":114,"value":641,"marks":642,"data":643},"Glasses ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":645,"content":646},{},[647],{"nodeType":114,"value":648,"marks":649,"data":650},"Glasses are a simple way to correct astigmatism. Astigmatism glasses are made with lenses shaped to bend light evenly into your eye so you can see more clearly.  ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":652,"content":653},{},[654,657,664],{"nodeType":114,"value":321,"marks":655,"data":656},[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":658,"content":659},{"uri":129},[660],{"nodeType":114,"value":661,"marks":662,"data":663},"Explore our range of glasses",[],{"chevron-link":16},{"nodeType":114,"value":321,"marks":665,"data":666},[],{},{"nodeType":110,"data":668,"content":669},{},[670],{"nodeType":114,"value":671,"marks":672,"data":673},"Contact lenses ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":675,"content":676},{},[677],{"nodeType":114,"value":678,"marks":679,"data":680},"Toric lenses are designed for eyes with astigmatism. They sit comfortably on your eyes and help focus light properly, so your vision is sharper and more stable. ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":682,"content":683},{},[684,687,694],{"nodeType":114,"value":321,"marks":685,"data":686},[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":688,"content":689},{"uri":141},[690],{"nodeType":114,"value":691,"marks":692,"data":693},"Explore our range of astigmatism contact lenses",[],{},{"nodeType":114,"value":695,"marks":696,"data":697},"  ",[],{},{"nodeType":110,"data":699,"content":700},{},[701],{"nodeType":114,"value":702,"marks":703,"data":704},"Eye tests ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":706,"content":707},{},[708],{"nodeType":114,"value":709,"marks":710,"data":711},"A comprehensive eye test can show you how your eyes focus light and, if your vision needs correcting, what type of lens is right for you. ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":713,"content":714},{},[715,718,725],{"nodeType":114,"value":321,"marks":716,"data":717},[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":719,"content":721},{"uri":720},"\u002Feye-test",[722],{"nodeType":114,"value":327,"marks":723,"data":724},[],{},{"nodeType":114,"value":726,"marks":727,"data":728}," ",[],{},{"nodeType":110,"data":730,"content":731},{},[732],{"nodeType":114,"value":733,"marks":734,"data":735},"Refractive eye surgery ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":737,"content":738},{},[739],{"nodeType":114,"value":740,"marks":741,"data":742},"Some people explore refractive eye surgery as a long-term option to correct astigmatism. ",[],{},{"nodeType":119,"data":744,"content":745},{},[746,749,757],{"nodeType":114,"value":321,"marks":747,"data":748},[],{},{"nodeType":127,"data":750,"content":752},{"uri":751},"\u002Feye-health\u002Flaser-eye-surgery",[753],{"nodeType":114,"value":754,"marks":755,"data":756},"Discover more about refractive eye surgery",[],{"chevron-link":16},{"nodeType":114,"value":321,"marks":758,"data":759},[],{},{"entries":761},{"block":762},[],{"__typename":100,"sys":764,"theme":103,"genericTextComponent":765},{"id":76},{"json":766,"links":880},{"data":767,"content":768,"nodeType":106},{},[769,776,783,790,797,804,874],{"data":770,"content":771,"nodeType":246},{},[772],{"data":773,"marks":774,"value":775,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Can astigmatism be prevented? ",{"data":777,"content":778,"nodeType":119},{},[779],{"data":780,"marks":781,"value":782,"nodeType":114},{},[],"You can’t prevent astigmatism, but keeping an eye on your vision and booking regular eye tests is the best way to make sure your eyes stay healthy. There is also evidence to show that excessive rubbing of the eyes can lead to the development or worsening of astigmatism. ",{"data":784,"content":785,"nodeType":119},{},[786],{"data":787,"marks":788,"value":789,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Changes in your eyesight can happen slowly, so regular eye tests mean we can spot any issues early and update your prescription if needed. If you wear glasses or contacts, this also helps keep your vision sharp and comfortable. ",{"data":791,"content":792,"nodeType":110},{},[793],{"data":794,"marks":795,"value":796,"nodeType":114},{},[],"What happens if astigmatism isn’t treated? ",{"data":798,"content":799,"nodeType":119},{},[800],{"data":801,"marks":802,"value":803,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Astigmatism isn’t an eye disease; it’s a refractive error, which just means your eye isn’t focusing light properly. But if it’s not picked up or corrected, especially in children, it can lead to other issues over time, including: ",{"data":805,"content":806,"nodeType":873},{},[807,846],{"data":808,"content":809,"nodeType":267},{},[810],{"data":811,"content":812,"nodeType":119},{},[813,818,822,830,834,842],{"data":814,"marks":815,"value":817,"nodeType":114},{},[816],{"type":362},"Lazy eye (amblyopia):",{"data":819,"marks":820,"value":821,"nodeType":114},{},[]," If only one eye is affected, the brain might start to rely more on the clearer one. Over time, the weaker eye can become less active, also known as amblyopia or ",{"data":823,"content":825,"nodeType":127},{"uri":824},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.specsavers.ie\u002Feye-health\u002Flazy-eye",[826],{"data":827,"marks":828,"value":829,"nodeType":114},{},[],"lazy eye",{"data":831,"marks":832,"value":833,"nodeType":114},{},[],". Regular ",{"data":835,"content":837,"nodeType":127},{"uri":836},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.specsavers.ie\u002Feye-test\u002Fchildrens-eye-test",[838],{"data":839,"marks":840,"value":841,"nodeType":114},{},[],"eye tests for kids",{"data":843,"marks":844,"value":845,"nodeType":114},{},[]," help spot this early. ",{"data":847,"content":848,"nodeType":267},{},[849],{"data":850,"content":851,"nodeType":119},{},[852,857,861,869],{"data":853,"marks":854,"value":856,"nodeType":114},{},[855],{"type":362},"Strabismus (squint):",{"data":858,"marks":859,"value":860,"nodeType":114},{},[]," Uncorrected astigmatism can sometimes cause the eyes to work unevenly. This extra strain can lead to misalignment, known as a ",{"data":862,"content":864,"nodeType":127},{"uri":863},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.specsavers.ie\u002Feye-health\u002Fsquint-or-strabismus",[865],{"data":866,"marks":867,"value":868,"nodeType":114},{},[],"squint",{"data":870,"marks":871,"value":872,"nodeType":114},{},[],", as one eye tries harder to stay focused.  ","unordered-list",{"data":875,"content":876,"nodeType":119},{},[877],{"data":878,"marks":879,"value":321,"nodeType":114},{},[],{"entries":881},{"block":882},[],{"__typename":884,"sys":885,"title":887,"theme":888,"expandFirstRow":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":889},"Accordion",{"id":886},"2xInenglDjZuE2DBDqpf5U","Astigmatism FAQs:","Grey",{"items":890},[891,907,922,937,952,967,982,997,1012,1027],{"__typename":892,"sys":893,"panel":895,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":906},"Faq",{"id":894},"2RO9ySyYwERLaK9K1H5h0q",{"json":896},{"data":897,"content":898,"nodeType":106},{},[899],{"data":900,"content":901,"nodeType":119},{},[902],{"data":903,"marks":904,"value":905,"nodeType":114},{},[],"It can change, especially as your eyes age. That’s why regular eye tests are so important. They help us spot any shifts early and update your prescription if needed.  "," Can astigmatism get worse over time?",{"__typename":892,"sys":908,"panel":910,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":921},{"id":909},"3uZXgmi6UssTIJnHdWaNro",{"json":911},{"nodeType":106,"data":912,"content":913},{},[914],{"nodeType":119,"data":915,"content":916},{},[917],{"nodeType":114,"value":918,"marks":919,"data":920},"Natural changes in your eye shape can have an impact. Sometimes, eye injuries or conditions like keratoconus play a role, but that’s less common.",[],{},"What causes astigmatism to worsen? ",{"__typename":892,"sys":923,"panel":925,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":936},{"id":924},"4ULkgxxGmZ92ZZvlVS4joW",{"json":926},{"nodeType":106,"data":927,"content":928},{},[929],{"nodeType":119,"data":930,"content":931},{},[932],{"nodeType":114,"value":933,"marks":934,"data":935},"Yes. While it often affects both eyes, it’s possible to have it in just one. ",[],{},"Can you have astigmatism in just one eye?",{"__typename":892,"sys":938,"panel":940,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":951},{"id":939},"6lrjcX7ZGl5rjSrOc8sUgh",{"json":941},{"nodeType":106,"data":942,"content":943},{},[944],{"nodeType":119,"data":945,"content":946},{},[947],{"nodeType":114,"value":948,"marks":949,"data":950},"No, it’s not harmful or dangerous. It just means your eye isn’t perfectly round, which can affect how you see. It’s common and easy to manage with both glasses and contact lenses.  ",[],{},"Is astigmatism serious?",{"__typename":892,"sys":953,"panel":955,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":966},{"id":954},"5upZNmMw3HBg6DeTWcTtm7",{"json":956},{"nodeType":106,"data":957,"content":958},{},[959],{"nodeType":119,"data":960,"content":961},{},[962],{"nodeType":114,"value":963,"marks":964,"data":965},"No, it doesn’t lead to blindness. You might get blurry or distorted vision, but with the right lenses, your sight can be corrected.  ",[],{},"Can I go blind from astigmatism? ",{"__typename":892,"sys":968,"panel":970,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":981},{"id":969},"4TUtWI6zfqyEI7DgSFTKt8",{"json":971},{"nodeType":106,"data":972,"content":973},{},[974],{"nodeType":119,"data":975,"content":976},{},[977],{"nodeType":114,"value":978,"marks":979,"data":980},"Blurry vision, squinting, tired eyes or headaches can be signs. But the only way to know for sure is by having an eye test. ",[],{},"How do I know if I have astigmatism?",{"__typename":892,"sys":983,"panel":985,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":996},{"id":984},"2ynXAVgEcFFvqpwE170Np3",{"json":986},{"nodeType":106,"data":987,"content":988},{},[989],{"nodeType":119,"data":990,"content":991},{},[992],{"nodeType":114,"value":993,"marks":994,"data":995},"Astigmatism is caused by an imperfection in the shape of the front of the eye, which changes with age. The right glasses or contact lenses will help you see clearly. ",[],{},"Is astigmatism permanent?",{"__typename":892,"sys":998,"panel":1000,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1011},{"id":999},"4djd4LK6uP4A3434Ai75XH",{"json":1001},{"data":1002,"content":1003,"nodeType":106},{},[1004],{"data":1005,"content":1006,"nodeType":119},{},[1007],{"data":1008,"marks":1009,"value":1010,"nodeType":114},{},[],"Astigmatism can be corrected by using lenses that are bespoke to the shape of your eye. This is included in your prescription, so there’s no extra step involved. ","Do I need special glasses for astigmatism?",{"__typename":892,"sys":1013,"panel":1015,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1026},{"id":1014},"3dH40dYqH6aYUjwIZhgSvY",{"json":1016},{"nodeType":106,"data":1017,"content":1018},{},[1019],{"nodeType":119,"data":1020,"content":1021},{},[1022],{"nodeType":114,"value":1023,"marks":1024,"data":1025},"Yes, toric lenses are specially made to correct astigmatism. Your optometrist will help you find the right fit.  ",[],{},"Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism? ",{"__typename":892,"sys":1028,"panel":1030,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1041},{"id":1029},"4Bu6lrus7VnHB5lJyXoxi1",{"json":1031},{"nodeType":106,"data":1032,"content":1033},{},[1034],{"nodeType":119,"data":1035,"content":1036},{},[1037],{"nodeType":114,"value":1038,"marks":1039,"data":1040},"Toric contact lenses are designed to match the natural curve of your eye and help focus light more accurately.   ",[],{},"What are toric contact lenses?",{"__typename":1043,"sys":1044,"title":1046,"backgroundTheme":1047,"authorEntriesCollection":1048},"AuthorContainer",{"id":1045},"1K9CpO9GoJ51VfEHMg7YPV","Written by our experts for peace of mind","White",{"items":1049},[1050],{"authorBiography":1051,"authorName":1062,"authorQualification":1063,"authorPhoto":1064},{"json":1052},{"nodeType":106,"data":1053,"content":1054},{},[1055],{"nodeType":119,"data":1056,"content":1057},{},[1058],{"nodeType":114,"value":1059,"marks":1060,"data":1061},"Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre-registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.",[],{},"Ross Campbell","BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret",{"url":1065},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7\u002F34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f\u002FRoss_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg",{"__typename":1067,"sys":1068,"title":1070,"body":1071,"backgroundTheme":888,"actionCardEntriesCollection":1072},"ActionCardBanner",{"id":1069},"7a0PL0V4O1maFD6B0AMSBv","Related Conditions","Not sure if this is what you’re experiencing? Explore some related conditions:",{"items":1073},[1074,1078,1082],{"image":17,"title":1075,"body":1076,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":1077,"linkUrl":188,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Blurry Vision","Blurry vision is not an eye condition itself, it’s usually a symptom of an underlying condition or a sign that your glasses or contact lenses may need updating.","Find out more",{"image":17,"title":1079,"body":1080,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":1077,"linkUrl":1081,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Myopia","Myopia, also known as short‑sightedness or near‑sightedness, is a very common cause of blurred vision.","\u002Feye-health\u002Fmyopia",{"image":17,"title":1083,"body":1084,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":1077,"linkUrl":1085,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Keratoconus","Keratoconus happens when the cornea starts to weaken and thin at its centre, causing it to become irregular in shape, preventing the eye from focusing properly.","\u002Feye-health\u002Fkeratoconus",{"__typename":1067,"sys":1087,"title":1089,"body":17,"backgroundTheme":1047,"actionCardEntriesCollection":1090},{"id":1088},"keqiwluN3uCiUw39HKjMx","Find out more about eye care services",{"items":1091},[1092,1099,1104],{"title":1093,"body":1094,"imageAltText":1095,"linkText":1096,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":1097},"All eye conditions","Read more information about all eye conditions.","Women using a slit lamp","View all eye conditions",{"url":1098},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F4cwFJgHB9BHy1B690ebBQ0\u002Fc02de50880709bc238812946c93ccfea\u002FDAY_2_SLIT_LAMP_TEST_117-150DPI.jpg",{"title":327,"body":1100,"imageAltText":1101,"linkText":327,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":1102},"Book an appointment at your local Specsavers store.","Man having an OCT scan",{"url":1103},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5T3QokGERAThYXwgmSXxFq\u002F2456853b7550d03764f544496176b83e\u002Fmodule_hero__16x9_oct_sight_test_no-derivative.jpg",{"title":1105,"body":1106,"imageAltText":1107,"linkText":1077,"linkUrl":720,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":1108},"All about eye tests","Everything you need to know about getting your eyes tested.","Women using a phoropter",{"url":1109},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5zSdFZFmwKx4bFKCWIm9A9\u002F142dfde2099cab8de29510ab68f4b17b\u002FDAY_1_SNELLEN_11-72DPI.jpg",{"__typename":1111,"sys":1112,"title":1114,"theme":1047,"listType":1115,"expandAccordion":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":1116},"SingleRowAccordion",{"id":1113},"72iK6mkWmuko0Jwmk4DPJX","References","Numbered",{"items":1117},[1118,1126,1132,1139,1146],{"__typename":1119,"sys":1120,"citationAuthor":1122,"citationYear":1123,"citationDescription":1124,"citationUrl":1125,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},"Citation",{"id":1121},"5lM2gyu6LdJ7IvaTztx4mw","Zhang, J., Wu, Y., Sharma, B., Gupta, R., Jawla, S. and Bullimore, M.A. ",2023,"Epidemiology and Burden of Astigmatism: A Systematic Literature Review. Optometry and Vision Science, 100(3), pp.218–231. ","https:\u002F\u002Fdoi.org\u002F10.1097\u002Fopx.0000000000001998",{"__typename":1119,"sys":1127,"citationAuthor":1129,"citationYear":1123,"citationDescription":1130,"citationUrl":1131,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":1128},"7GJJchKJGMPblKbgenCKHv","‌Gurnani, B. and Kaur, K.","Astigmatism. [online] PubMed.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fbooks\u002FNBK582142\u002F",{"__typename":1119,"sys":1133,"citationAuthor":1135,"citationYear":1136,"citationDescription":1137,"citationUrl":1138,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":1134},"TR7rlsHyyErWpDaJv7G5a","NHS Choices",2019,"Astigmatism. [online] NHS. ","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nhs.uk\u002Fconditions\u002Fastigmatism\u002F",{"__typename":1119,"sys":1140,"citationAuthor":1142,"citationYear":1143,"citationDescription":1144,"citationUrl":1145,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":1141},"1KGGzczU4au9lsmITa6XJ4","Read, S.A., Collins, M.J. and Carney, L.G.",2007,"A review of astigmatism and its possible genesis. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 90(1), pp.5–19. doi: ","https:\u002F\u002Fdoi.org\u002F10.1111\u002Fj.1444-0938.2007.00112.x",{"__typename":1119,"sys":1147,"citationAuthor":1149,"citationYear":17,"citationDescription":1150,"citationUrl":1151,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":1148},"3YU7ZUhy0bWL8bal0qrhVd","BMJ Best Practice","Astigmatism.","https:\u002F\u002Fbestpractice.bmj.com\u002Ftopics\u002Fen-gb\u002F3000112",[17,17],1787046101386]