Eyes on astigmatism

We often have people come in and tell us they have "a stigma" or "a stigmata".... usually they remember being told about “astigmatism”. Yes, it's all one word.

While astigmatism sounds a bit strange, it is just a common condition of the eye shape, not a disease. In simple terms, it’s when the eyeball is shaped more like a rugby ball than a soccer ball.  

Optometrists can correct most people’s astigmatism as a routine part of their glasses or contact lens prescription.

When the astigmatism is not corrected (e.g. if you’re not wearing glasses or contacts) your vision will be shadowy or blurry.  Commonly people find they also have tired eyes, with more glare sensitivity with uncorrected astigmatism.

However, a small group of people have progressing astigmatism, and it is very important they do not rub their eyes, and have regular eye examinations.  Sometimes the change in astigmatism can be the start of more serious cornea changes, which need early referral for treatment to stabilise the cornea.