Astigmatism
ASTIGMATISM IS A COMMON FOCUSING ERROR CAUSED BY AN IRREGULAR CURVE OF THE CORNEA OR LENS, LEADING TO BLURRED OR DISTORTED VISION. LEARN ABOUT SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS, AND WHEN SPECIALIST ASSESSMENT IS HELPFUL.
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What a great experience! Very reassuring and I am very grateful for the consultation from Dr Musa he was so helpful in helping me make a decision to proceed to having eye correction surgery. I have the upmost confidence in him and the team at the Eye Doctor Clinic, Huddersfield.
Lozza 747I had implants with Dr Musa ten years ago. It was the best thing I've ever done. They are brilliant. My sight both near and distant was very poor but since the op I've had no glasses no lenses and my sight has been super. It remains really good to this day. Thank you Dr Musa. Brilliant consultations and treatment for glaucoma since.
Kay FitbitI can highly recommend the Eye Doctor Clinic, and I am so pleased I went there. Dr Musa, Gemma and Jess are lovely. They are very knowledgeable and were able to answer all my questions. My vision following surgery is great, and not having to wear glasses is fantastic.
Carol PeelWhat Is Astigmatism?
In an eye without astigmatism, the front surface of the eye, the cornea , is evenly curved in all directions, rather like a smooth, round ball. In astigmatism, the cornea or, less commonly, the internal lens, is shaped more like a rugby ball or an oval. This means that light entering the eye is bent by different amounts in different directions.
Instead of coming to a single, sharp focus on the retina, light forms two focal lines or a blurred area. As a result, edges can appear smudged, lines may seem stretched or shadowed, and vision can be blurred at both distance and near. Astigmatism frequently occurs alongside myopia (short sight) or hyperopia (long sight).
Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors and is present in varying degrees in many people. In most cases it is mild and easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. In higher degrees, or when it is irregular rather than regular, it can cause more significant visual disturbance and may require more specialised management.
Regular astigmatism, the most common type, has a consistent axis and is straightforwardly corrected with cylindrical lenses. Irregular astigmatism, as seen in keratoconus or following trauma or surgery, cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses and may require rigid contact lenses or surgical treatment.
Recognising the Signs
People with astigmatism often describe their vision as slightly warped or smeared. Symptoms can be subtle in mild cases but more noticeable in higher degrees.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is most often due to inherited differences in eye shape. In some cases it develops or becomes more irregular due to other factors.
Genetics
Most commonly inherited; differences in corneal shape are present from an early age
Corneal shape variation
The cornea curves more steeply in one direction than another, bending light unevenly
Keratoconus
A corneal condition that causes progressive, irregular astigmatism as the cornea thins and changes shape
Eye surgery
Astigmatism can develop or change following certain surgical procedures
Eye trauma
Injury to the eye can alter corneal shape and introduce irregular astigmatism
Corneal disease
Scarring or other corneal changes can cause irregular astigmatism that is harder to correct
How Astigmatism Is Diagnosed
Astigmatism is identified during a refraction test, where lenses are used to find the prescription that gives the clearest vision. The direction and amount of astigmatism are measured accurately. Additional tests help map the corneal surface and identify any underlying cause.
Refraction
Lenses are used to measure the exact degree and axis of astigmatism, identifying the prescription that provides the clearest correction.
Keratometry
Measures the curvature of the central cornea to quantify the degree of astigmatism and identify whether it is regular or irregular.
Corneal topography
Creates a detailed map of the entire corneal surface — essential if contact lenses, refractive surgery, or investigation for keratoconus is being considered.
Slit lamp examination
Allows the clinician to examine the cornea directly for signs of thinning, scarring, or structural change that might explain irregular astigmatism.
When to See a Specialist
Most people with simple astigmatism can be managed very effectively with glasses from their optometrist. You should consider specialist assessment if your astigmatism is changing rapidly, if your vision remains blurred despite updated glasses, if irregular astigmatism has been reported, or if you are interested in surgical options to reduce dependence on glasses.
Specialist review is also appropriate if keratoconus or other corneal disease is suspected.
“If your prescription keeps changing or your vision remains distorted despite up-to-date glasses, a specialist corneal assessment is the right next step.”
Astigmatism Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and degree of astigmatism. These are the options available at the Eye Doctor Clinic.
Refractive Lens Exchange
Replaces the eye's natural lens with a toric intraocular lens designed to correct astigmatism alongside any refractive error. An excellent option for patients unsuitable for laser surgery or approaching cataract age.
Learn moreImplantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
A toric ICL can correct astigmatism alongside short or long sight. The lens is implanted behind the iris without removing the natural lens, offering excellent visual quality and reversibility.
Learn moreSecondary Lens Implant (Piggyback Lens Surgery)
Corrects residual astigmatism or refractive error after cataract surgery by adding a customised lens in front of the existing implant.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Meet the Team
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Book an Astigmatism Assessment
If your vision is blurred or distorted and glasses are no longer providing the clarity you expect, a specialist assessment at the Eye Doctor Clinic is the right next step. We can identify the cause of your astigmatism and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for you.
