Understanding your vision
Astigmatism
What astigmatism is, what you might notice, and how glasses correct it.
In short
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a way the eye focuses light. The front of the eye, the cornea, is shaped a little more like a rugby ball than a soccer ball, so light focuses in two places instead of one, and things look blurred or distorted. Sometimes it is the lens inside the eye that is shaped this way.
The cornea
Why things look blurred
Usually, the cornea and the lens are smooth and curved equally in all directions. This helps focus light rays sharply onto the retina at the back of your eye. If the cornea or the lens is not evenly curved, the light rays are not focused properly.
You might notice letters and lights that look blurred or stretched, eyes that tire quickly, or squinting to see clearly. These signs can have many causes, so an eye test is the way to find out.
How it is corrected
In glasses, and in contact lenses
In glasses
Your prescription shows a cylinder (CYL) power, extra power in one direction, and an axis, which is the direction of that power. No cylinder on your prescription means no astigmatism to correct.
You might have astigmatism as well as short-sightedness or long-sightedness. The lens then combines the powers, and a Torga optometrist can advise which lenses suit your type of astigmatism. Our lenses are made in our own lab for your prescription and your frame.
In contact lenses
Toric contact lenses correct astigmatism. Contact lenses always start with an eye test and a fitting, and your optometrist will tell you whether they suit you.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about astigmatism
Is astigmatism the same as short-sightedness?
No. Short-sightedness and long-sightedness are about how far away you see clearly. Astigmatism is about the shape of the front of the eye, and you can have it together with either of them.
How do I know if I have astigmatism?
An eye test shows it. If you have astigmatism, your prescription lists a cylinder (CYL) power and an axis.
Can contact lenses correct astigmatism?
Yes. Toric contact lenses do. Your optometrist will tell you whether they suit you, at a contact lens fitting.
Which lenses suit my type of astigmatism?
That depends on your prescription, your frame and your day. A Torga optometrist will talk you through the options at your eye test.