Many people hear the word “astigmatism” during an eye exam and aren’t sure what it means for their glasses. It’s a common focusing issue that often shows up alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Glasses for astigmatism use lenses shaped to match the uneven curve of your eye, so they can help you see more clearly at near and far distances. We’ll measure each eye during a comprehensive eye exam and use those results to help you choose lenses and frames that suit your day.
What Astigmatism Means for Your Vision
Picture a basketball next to a football. A typical eye has an even, round curve like the basketball.
With astigmatism, the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) curves more like the football, so light bends unevenly as it enters your eye. Sometimes the lens inside your eye has the uneven curve instead, which optometrists call lenticular astigmatism.
If you have it, you’re not alone. About 1 in 3 people have astigmatism. Some are born with it, and others develop it later in life.
Keep an eye out for a few of these everyday signs:
- Blurry or distorted vision at any distance
- Frequent squinting
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Trouble seeing at night
How Glasses Correct Astigmatism
Astigmatism glasses use cylindrical lenses, which add focusing power in 1 direction to balance out the uneven curve. Each eye can need its own correction. Your left lens might be mild, and your right lens might be much stronger.
Drugstore readers can help you read a menu or a price tag. They only magnify, though, so they can’t correct astigmatism.
Take a look at your prescription and you’ll find 2 numbers that describe your astigmatism. CYL (short for cylinder) tells you how much lens power you need. The axis is a number from 1 to 180 that shows which direction the correction should go. You’ll always see them listed side by side.
When You Need Glasses for Astigmatism
Optometrists measure lens power in units called diopters. Many recommend glasses once astigmatism reaches about 1.00 diopter or higher. Below that, you may not need correction at all, so tell your optometrist how your eyes feel by the end of a typical day.
Think about your daily routine, too. If you spend hours on a laptop or behind the wheel, even mild blurriness can leave your eyes worn out by dinnertime.
Nights can be tricky with astigmatism. Headlights and streetlights may create halos and starbursts, and the right glasses can help reduce them so evening drives feel more comfortable.
Choosing Lenses and Frames for Astigmatism
We’ll help you pick single-vision or progressive lenses based on what you need to see each day. Single-vision lenses correct 1 distance. Progressives blend near, middle, and far vision into a single lens, which can come in handy if you also need help reading up close.
Lens material matters as well. Polycarbonate is lightweight and impact-resistant, so it works well for mild astigmatism. High-index lenses bend light more efficiently and can stay thinner when your prescription is stronger.
Ask about an anti-reflective coating while you’re at it. It can reduce glare from lamps, screens, and oncoming traffic.
Your frames play a part in clear vision, too. Flat-front frames often suit astigmatism lenses better than curved wraparound styles because they hold the lenses at a steady angle in front of your eyes. Look for a fit that feels snug and comfortable so your lenses don’t slide out of position.
After that, let your personality lead. Round, square, or cat-eye shapes in bold colors or classic tortoiseshell can all match your personal style.
Adjusting to Your New Glasses
Give your eyes anywhere from a few hours to 1 to 2 weeks to get used to new glasses. You might notice a mild “fishbowl” effect at first, where the edges of what you see look slightly curved. Floors and stairs can also seem a bit tilted, so take your time on steps for the first few days.
Wear your new pair every day and tuck your old glasses in a drawer. Switching back and forth can slow down the adjustment.
Call your optometrist for a recheck if you notice any of these:
- Symptoms that don’t improve after 2 weeks
- New or worsening blurriness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Astigmatism can change over time, so keep up with regular eye exams to keep your prescription current.
Bring Astigmatism Into Focus with Glasses You Love
Fuzzy street signs and glaring headlights don’t have to be part of your routine. Our team at The Vision Place can measure your astigmatism and help you choose lenses and frames that fit your eyes and your style.
Book your eye exam today, and let’s work toward clearer, more comfortable vision together.