Astigmatism is a common refractive error of the eye. It occurs when the cornea or lens is not perfectly spherical, so light rays focus unevenly on the retina. The result is blurry or distorted vision at all distances (for example, straight lines may look wavy or doubled). In fact, about one-third of people have some degree of astigmatism. Untreated astigmatism can lead to eye strain or headaches as the eyes struggle to focus. Some of you might also suffer from sensitive eyes. Light sensitivity is a discomfort caused by bright light, while astigmatism is a refractive error that makes vision blurry due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
What causes astigmatism to worsen
Astigmatism is not always completely stable. As people age or their eyes undergo changes, astigmatism can get worse over time. The Cleveland Clinic notes that astigmatism "can get better or worse over time," and experts at The Eye Care Team explain that normal aging itself can subtly change the eye's shape. In particular, gradual changes in eyelid tension or eye muscle position as we age can alter the cornea's curvature, increasing astigmatism. Likewise, progressive eye conditions like keratoconus (where the cornea bulges outward) can significantly distort vision, worsening astigmatism.
Other factors can also increase astigmatism. Eye injuries or trauma are common culprits: a scratch, burn, or blunt force wound can scar the cornea or damage the lens, creating uneven curvature. After surgery, the healing process itself may leave the cornea slightly misshapen. For example, if the cornea heals irregularly from a scratch or cut, the light rays bend unevenly, and astigmatism can increase. In short, any damage or structural change to the cornea or lens tends to worsen astigmatism.
On the other hand, if astigmatism was mild to begin with, small natural changes (like minor shifts in corneal shape) may actually improve the focus. But significant astigmatism almost never goes away by itself. In practice, most people's astigmatism either stays the same or slowly increases unless treated. It is important to monitor vision and see an eye doctor if clarity suddenly worsens, since this can signal keratoconus or other eye conditions.
Can astigmatism be corrected
Yes – astigmatism can be effectively corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. In fact, "most cases of astigmatism can be treated with corrective lenses like eyeglasses or contact lenses". Spectacle lenses for astigmatism use a special cylindrical prescription that compensates for the uneven cornea, bringing light to a single focus. Likewise, toric contact lenses are custom-shaped for astigmatic eyes and correct the distortion. (For those interested in cosmetic eyewear, even colored toric contact lenses exist – they combine a normal or tinted color design with an astigmatism correction.) Modern soft contacts and rigid gas-permeable lenses are both available to correct astigmatism, so you can choose the comfort or clarity you prefer.
For many people, laser eye surgery offers another path to clear vision. Procedures like LASIK or PRK reshape the cornea so that light focuses properly on the retina. As Cleveland Clinic explains, vision-correction surgery "uses lasers to fix vision problems… to change the shape of your cornea so light hits your retina correctly". In other words, LASIK treats astigmatism by literally ironing out the corneal curve. Most patients achieve excellent results: studies show over 90% see 20/40 or better after LASIK. In practice, about 96% of LASIK patients report being happy with the outcome. Of course, an eye exam is needed to ensure your astigmatism is in a treatable range and your corneas are thick enough.
Astigmatism can also be corrected during other eye surgeries. For example, cataract surgery now often uses toric intraocular lens implants. If you have cataracts and astigmatism, your surgeon can replace the cloudy lens with a toric IOL that corrects corneal astigmatism at the same time. This means both problems are fixed in one operation. Similarly, refractive lens exchange (replacing the natural lens to correct vision) can use toric lenses for astigmatism. In short, modern surgery can reduce or eliminate most astigmatism. Even if you choose not to have surgery, wearing the right glasses or contacts will "correct your vision" so you see clearly.
Many people ask, "Can astigmatism be corrected with surgery or with LASIK?" The answer is yes. Whether you say "can an astigmatism be corrected" or "can an astigmatism be corrected," current treatments allow virtually all degrees of astigmatism to be addressed. In fact, by reshaping the cornea with laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) or by implanting a corrective lens in the eye, most patients become much less dependent on glasses or contacts. Both eyeglasses and laser vision correction are reliable solutions—so if you've been asking, "Does LASIK fix astigmatism?" the evidence is clear that it often can.
Can astigmatism go away
Astigmatism almost never just goes away on its own. Unlike some minor vision issues in children, refractive astigmatism is usually permanent. Once the eyes finish growing (usually by early adulthood), the eye shape stabilizes and the astigmatism remains unless corrected. Stonebridge Eyecare emphasizes that "astigmatism typically doesn't go away on its own." In other words, it must be managed with lenses or surgery, rather than expecting it to vanish naturally.
Very occasionally, a person's astigmatism measurement may change slightly over years, but this is usually due to other factors (like cataract formation or corneal changes). If you ever notice a sudden reduction in astigmatism, it could signal an underlying issue (for example, keratoconus progression or lens changes). In general, however, you should plan to correct astigmatism rather than wait for it to disappear. With proper treatment, you can see clearly even though the underlying curvature is unchanged.
Protective tips for astigmatism
While you can't prevent astigmatism itself, good eye-care habits help protect your vision and ease symptoms. For example:
Avoid eye strain. Take regular breaks during long visual tasks. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This relieves eye fatigue. Be mindful of prolonged screen time or intense close work, as excessive eye strain can make all refractive errors (including astigmatism) feel worse.
Use proper lighting. Read and work in well-lit environments. Avoid very dim reading light or harsh glare from overly bright sources. Poor lighting forces your eyes to strain more; moderate ambient light is best.
Wear prescribed eyewear and keep it in good condition. Always use glasses or contacts that match your current prescription. Even nighttime driving can be safer by wearing the right lenses. Anti‑reflective (AR) coatings on glasses can minimize glare from headlights or overhead lights, which often cause halos in astigmatism. Keep your lenses and glasses clean—smudges or scratches can exaggerate blur. Do blue light blockers help? Of course, yes.
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Protect from injury. Wear safety eyewear during sports or hazards to avoid accidental trauma. Even rubbing your eyes hard can slightly deform the cornea over time. (Doctors advise avoiding frequent eye rubbing, since the cornea already has an irregular shape in astigmatism—rubbing only risks more damage.)
Maintain eye health. Eat a balanced diet rich in eye‑healthy nutrients (vitamins A, C, and D; lutein; and zeaxanthin). These antioxidants support overall eye tissue health. Stay hydrated and get enough sleep to help your eyes recover.
Have regular eye exams. Get your eyes checked at least once a year or as recommended. This ensures any changes in astigmatism are detected early and your prescription stays up-to-date.
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Conclusion
In summary, while astigmatism is usually permanent, it can be fully managed. Wearing the correct glasses or contacts is the simplest solution, and modern surgery can even eliminate it. By protecting your eyes (using proper lighting, breaks, and safety eyewear, such as MythGreece) and keeping up with eye care, you'll maintain clear, comfortable vision despite astigmatism. For more severe cases, talk to an eye doctor about the best correction method—there are reliable solutions available for almost every astigmatism.
