can astigmatism get worse with age

can astigmatism get worse with age


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can astigmatism get worse with age

Can Astigmatism Get Worse With Age?

Astigmatism, a common refractive error affecting the eye's shape, is a condition where the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) or lens is curved unevenly. This irregular curvature causes light to refract improperly, leading to blurred vision at all distances. While astigmatism is often diagnosed in childhood, many wonder: can astigmatism get worse with age? The answer is complex and depends on several factors.

While astigmatism itself isn't inherently progressive like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), its severity can change over time, and certain factors can influence its progression. Let's delve into the details.

Can astigmatism worsen over time?

The short answer is yes, but the rate and extent vary significantly between individuals. For some, astigmatism remains stable throughout their lives. Others might experience minor fluctuations, while a smaller percentage could see a noticeable worsening of their astigmatism. This isn't necessarily a disease process making the astigmatism worse, but rather changes in the eye's structure influencing the refractive error.

What causes changes in astigmatism over time?

Several factors contribute to potential changes in astigmatism as we age:

  • Eye Growth and Development: During childhood and adolescence, the eye is still developing. Changes in corneal curvature during this period can affect the degree of astigmatism. Once eye growth stabilizes, typically in the early twenties, the likelihood of significant changes decreases.

  • Corneal Changes: The cornea can undergo subtle changes throughout life due to various factors, including injury, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions. These changes can alter its shape and affect the refractive error, potentially leading to a worsening of astigmatism. Corneal ectasia, a thinning and bulging of the cornea, can significantly impact astigmatism.

  • Lens Changes: The lens, responsible for focusing light, also changes shape over time. This process is particularly noticeable during presbyopia (age-related loss of focusing ability). While presbyopia itself isn't astigmatism, lens changes can sometimes influence the overall refractive error, leading to seemingly worsening astigmatism.

  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea), can dramatically alter corneal shape and significantly worsen astigmatism.

  • Eye Injuries or Surgeries: Trauma to the eye or certain types of eye surgeries can affect corneal shape and potentially lead to a change in astigmatism.

Does astigmatism worsen with age in adults?

While less common than during childhood and adolescence, astigmatism can still worsen in adulthood. The changes are typically more gradual and less significant than those observed during eye growth. However, underlying conditions or injuries can still trigger noticeable changes in corneal shape, and hence the astigmatism, at any age.

How is astigmatism diagnosed and treated?

Astigmatism is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, typically including a refraction test to determine the precise refractive error. Treatment options depend on the severity and impact on vision. They may include:

  • Eyeglasses: Corrective lenses designed to compensate for the irregular corneal curvature.

  • Contact Lenses: Often providing sharper vision than glasses, particularly for high astigmatism. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.

  • Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or PRK can permanently correct refractive errors, including astigmatism, by reshaping the cornea.

Is there a way to prevent astigmatism from worsening?

There's no guaranteed way to prevent changes in astigmatism. However, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection of any significant changes or underlying conditions. Protecting your eyes from injuries is also vital.

In conclusion, while astigmatism itself doesn't typically worsen progressively like some other refractive errors, its severity can fluctuate throughout life. Changes in corneal shape, age-related lens changes, and underlying medical conditions can all contribute to potential alterations in astigmatism. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring and managing this condition. If you notice changes in your vision, consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist for proper diagnosis and management.