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Zafar Laser Eye Clinic

Service Details

Best Optometrist in Khanewal

Astigmatism

What is it? Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being perfectly spherical like a basketball, the cornea in an astigmatic eye is shaped more like a football, with one curve steeper than the other. This asymmetry causes light rays to scatter and focus on multiple points—both in front of and behind the retina—rather than a single sharp point. The result is distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Astigmatism can be present from birth, develop after eye injury or surgery, or occur alongside myopia or hyperopia. It is not a disease but a variation in eye shape.

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Common Symptoms

  • Blurred or distorted vision at near and far distances
  • "Ghosting" or shadowing of images
  • Difficulty seeing fine details
  • Eye strain or discomfort after visual tasks
  • Headaches, especially after reading or screen use
  • Difficulty with night vision; lights may appear streaked or starburst

Risk Factors

  • Family history of astigmatism or other refractive errors
  • Corneal scarring from injury or infection
  • Certain eye conditions like keratoconus
  • Eyelid tumors that put pressure on the cornea

Treatment Options

  • Corrective Lenses: Glasses with cylindrical correction or toric contact lenses designed to compensate for the irregular curvature.
  • Refractive Surgery: LASIK, PRK, or SMILE can reshape the cornea to a more uniform curve.
  • Orthokeratology: Special rigid lenses worn overnight to temporarily correct corneal shape.

Prevention & Lifestyle Tips

  • Protect eyes from injury with safety glasses during sports or hazardous work.
  • Avoid rubbing eyes vigorously, which can potentially worsen corneal shape over time.
  • Regular eye exams to monitor for changes, especially if you have a family history.

When to See a Doctor See an ophthalmologist if you notice persistent blurriness, distortion, or difficulty with night driving that isn't corrected by your current glasses. Doctor's Note: Astigmatism is very common and easily correctable. However, sudden changes in astigmatism can signal underlying corneal problems like keratoconus, so any rapid vision changes warrant prompt evaluation