Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes distortion in how you see objects, often leading to blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches. In people without astigmatism, the cornea and lens are round and allow light to focus properly on the retina. But in individuals with astigmatism, these parts of the eye may be shaped more like a football than a sphere, which alters the way light is refracted and leads to blurred vision.

This condition often makes it difficult to see fine details clearly, both near and far. Squinting to focus becomes common, especially when trying to read, drive, or use screens. Many people with astigmatism also notice their vision worsens in low-light situations, such as nighttime driving.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, astigmatism affects roughly one in three people in the United States. While anyone can develop it, you may be at higher risk if you already have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or have had an eye injury. Recognizing early signs is key to getting the proper vision correction.

Blurry Vision

blurry vision is the most common and noticeable symptom of astigmatism. The degree of blurriness often depends on the extent of irregularity in the shape of your cornea and lens.

Astigmatism usually appears alongside other refractive issues like nearsightedness (difficulty seeing distant objects) or farsightedness (difficulty seeing up close). The result is a consistent loss of sharpness in your vision, making everyday tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer more difficult.

If blurry vision interferes with daily life, it’s important to schedule an eye exam. Glasses or contact lenses can usually correct the issue.

Eye Strain

Because vision is unclear, people with astigmatism often squint to see better. This repeated squinting causes eye strain, which may lead to sore, tired eyes, and tension in the muscles around the eyes.

prolonged screen time can worsen this discomfort. To ease eye strain, optometrists often recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Eye strain can also cause watery eyes, as the eyes become overworked and irritated.

Headaches

Astigmatism may contribute to frequent headaches, especially after prolonged reading or screen use. The strain caused by squinting and trying to focus with distorted vision puts stress on the eyes and the surrounding muscles.

While headaches alone don’t confirm astigmatism, their presence alongside blurry vision and eye strain is a good reason to see an eye doctor. A correct lens prescription or updated eyewear often reduces these symptoms significantly.

Astigmatism in Children

Astigmatism often affects children as well. Studies show that a significant number of children have some form of astigmatism, and its severity may fluctuate as they grow.

It’s common for newborns to have temporary astigmatism which improves as their eyes develop. However, in some cases, children may not outgrow the condition and may need vision correction at a young age.

Because children may not realize their vision is blurry, parents should be proactive. early eye exams are crucial, as uncorrected astigmatism can impact a child’s learning, classroom performance, and development.

If a child complains about headaches, squints often, or avoids reading or screen time, an eye exam is recommended to rule out astigmatism or other vision conditions.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

You should reach out to an eye care professional if you frequently experience any of these symptoms:

  • blurry vision

  • eye strain or discomfort

  • frequent squinting

  • headaches that follow visual activity

Additionally, children should undergo annual vision screenings, especially if there's a family history of eye problems or if school performance changes noticeably.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

If you’re planning an appointment, consider asking the following:

  • Is my blurry vision caused by astigmatism or another issue?

  • Will I need glasses or contact lenses?

  • Is it safe for me to drive at night?

  • Do you recommend specific eyewear for computer use?

  • How often should I return for follow-up visits?

A Quick Review

Astigmatism is a widespread condition that affects how the eye focuses light, leading to symptoms such as blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. It can impact both children and adults, but most symptoms can be effectively managed with glasses, contact lenses, or other corrective methods.

Regular eye exams help detect astigmatism early and ensure you get the treatment needed to maintain clear and comfortable vision.