Does Astigmatism Cause or Worsen Eye Floaters?

Understanding Astigmatism as a Common Vision Condition

Astigmatism refers to an imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens which leads to distorted or blurred vision. Instead of light focusing precisely on the retina, it spreads out across multiple focal points.

It is a very prevalent vision disorder, affecting around 30% of people in the United States. While nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia often occur together with astigmatism, it can happen on its own too.

What Causes Astigmatism?

There are two main causes of astigmatism:

Irregular Shaped Cornea

A football-shaped cornea that is steeper in certain sections than others leads to uneven light refraction. This results in multiple inaccurate focal points instead of a precise image on the retina.

Uneven Lens Curvature

An abnormally rounded or twisted lens also focuses light at scattered spots rather than one central point. This leads to distorted and blurry vision from the scattered light rays.

Astigmatism is usually congenital and caused by irregular development of the cornea or lens. But it can also sometimes result from:

• Injury to the eye
• Corneal scarring from infection or surgery
• Incorrect eyelid positioning during healing after surgery

The Causes and Types of Eye Floaters

Eye floaters refer to the specks, strings, dots,cobwebs or flashing lights that drift across the line of vision. They are caused by small particles or opacities that float within the vitreous gel in the eye.

The two main causes of eye floaters are:

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

As we age, the vitreous gel inside the eye begins to liquefy and pull away from the retina, causing clumps of collagen fibers. These strings or clumps cast shadows on retina leading to appearance of specks or strings floating through the field of vision.

Tiny Pigment Flecks

These appear as dots or pepper-like black spots that linger in one's vision. They are harmless bits of pigment cells that sloughed off from eye structures and float around within the vitreous gel.

Some other causes of floaters include:

• Bleeding from a torn retina
• Eye inflammation from infections or injuries
• Side effect of eye surgeries
• Eye conditions like cataracts or diabetic retinopathy

Can Astigmatism Lead to or Worsen Eye Floaters?

There is no direct correlation between having astigmatism and developing eye floaters. In fact floaters usually tend to occur in people over age 50 while astigmatism is present at birth or shows up at a young age.

However there are some indirect ways in which astigmatism may potentially contribute to floaters:

Squinting or Excessive Straining

The distorted vision caused by uncorrected or worsening astigmatism can lead someone to squint, focus harder and strain their eyes excessively. This indirectly puts pressure on the vitreous and retina potentially causing floaters.

Delaying Eye Exams

Ignoring worsening vision changes from advancing astigmatism prevents early treatment of other age-related eye issues like cataracts, bleeding or inflammation that directly cause floaters.

Increasing Near-Sightedness

Progressive astigmatism and presbyopia makes close-up objects appear more blurry. This encourages leaning very close to books, screens or while sewing which indirectly strains the vitreous.

Can Floaters be Caused by or Worsen Astigmatism?

Just as astigmatism does not directly lead to floaters, the reverse is true too. Eye floaters do not cause or worsen astigmatism on their own.

However if floaters appear suddenly with other vision changes like light flashes or curtain/veil effect, it may indicate a torn retina or vitreous detachment. Ignoring these warning signs and delaying eye exams can allow preventable vision issues like astigmatism to progress.

Treatment Options for Both Astigmatism and Floaters

Whether astigmatism leads to floaters or vice versa is unlikely. However both conditions can be frustrating on their own and worsen quality of life. Some treatment options for managing astigmatism and floaters include:

Astigmatism Management

• Glasses with cylindrical lenses to compensate for irregular corneas
• Contact lenses designed for non-spherical corneas
• Orthokeratology rigid contacts to reshape the cornea
• Refractive eye surgery to correct corneal irregularities

Managing Annoying Floaters

• Blinking and eye movement to shift floaters out of the vision path
• Using eye drops like Atropine to reduce floaters
• Vitrectomy surgery to remove floaters is an option in severe cases
• Simply waiting as the brain learns to tune out background floaters

Since floaters are often age-related, managing comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension helps prevent complications like retinal bleeding that worsen eye floaters.

The Bottom Line

Astigmatism arising from corneal irregularities does not directly cause or worsen eye floaters. However ignoring vision changes or excessive eye strain from severe unchecked astigmatism can allow other age-related eye issues to creep in or progress.

Likewise, sudden increase in floaters with other symptoms like flashes should not dismissed as just aging. Prompt eye exams help diagnose preventable vision disorders like advancing astigmatism early.

Managing both conditions diligently based on eye doctors advice is key to maintaining clear, sharp vision with minimal bothersome floaters as one grows older.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.