Astigmatism (散光) Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options - United Eyecare (2025)

Have you ever felt like your vision isn’t clear—like the world looks a bit blurry or distorted, especially when trying to read road signs or look at screens for too long? You might have astigmatism (散光）, and don’t worry—it’s more common than you think.

Astigmatism is not a disease. It’s a type of refractive error, just like nearsightedness or farsightedness. The good news? It can be corrected easily. In this article, we will talk about what astigmatism is, what causes it, common symptoms to look out for, and the treatment options available for you or your loved ones.

Let’s break it down, step-by-step.

In simple words, astigmatism happens when your eye’s shape isn’t perfectly round.

A normal eye is shaped like a basketball. Light enters the eye and bends evenly to focus on one sharp point on the retina (the back of your eye). But in someone with astigmatism, the eye is shaped more like a rugby ball or an egg. Because of this uneven shape, light doesn’t bend evenly. Instead, it focuses on multiple points—either in front of or behind the retina. That’s why things may look blurry, wavy, or stretched out.

Astigmatism can happen in both children and adults. You can be born with it, or it may develop over time. Sometimes it comes along with other refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness).

So why do some people get astigmatism and others don’t?

Let’s take a look at some of the common causes:1. Genetics
Astigmatism can run in families. If your parents have it, there’s a higher chance that you or your children might have it too.

2. Irregular Shape of the Cornea

How do you know if you have astigmatism? Here are some signs to look out for:

• Blurry or distorted vision (both near and far)
  
• Eye strain or discomfort
  
• Headaches, especially after reading or using screens
  
• Difficulty seeing at night
  
• Squinting to see more clearly
  
• Double vision in some cases

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked by an optometrist. Children especially may not know how to describe blurry vision. They might just avoid reading, rub their eyes often, or struggle in school without knowing why.

Astigmatism is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Here’s what you can expect during the check-up:

1. Visual Acuity Test

Getting your eyes checked regularly is important—even if you don’t wear glasses—because vision can change over time without you noticing.

The good news is that astigmatism can be treated. The goal is to bend the light properly so it focuses on a single point on the retina. Let’s explore your options:

1. Glasses

Ortho-K is suitable for certain cases of low to moderate astigmatism and is popular among active people and children.

4. Refractive Surgery

If you or your loved one are experiencing blurry vision, headaches, or eye discomfort—don’t ignore the signs. Get your eyes checked by our friendly optometrists today. We’ll assess your eyes thoroughly and help you choose the best solution tailored for you.

Book your appointment now at United Eyecare:

United Optometrist @ Square 2 (Novena MRT🚇)
⏰ Mon-Sun 11.30am – 8pm
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📞 63976885

United Eyecare @ Boon Keng MRT🚇
⏰ Mon-Sun 10.30am – 7.30pm
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📞 62978298