Can Astigmatism Get Worse With Age?
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of the eye that can cause vision problems at any age. But can astigmatism actually worsen over time? Unfortunately, in many cases, the answer is yes.
As we get older, changes to the eyes and visual system impact focus ability and correction needs. So astigmatism often does progressively get more severe with advancing age.
What is Astigmatism?
First, let’s quickly review what astigmatism is. This condition occurs when the cornea (clear front layer of the eye) or lens behind it has an irregular spherical shape.
Normally, light enters the eye and bends evenly in all directions allowing images to focus sharply on the retina at the back of the eye. But with astigmatism, different light rays focus at different points resulting in distorted, blurry vision at any distance.
Types of Astigmatism
There are a few different classifications of astigmatism:
- Corneal astigmatism - imperfect curvature of the cornea
- Lenticular astigmatism - irregular lens shape behind the cornea
- Regular vs irregular - uniform vs uneven curvature
Corneal/anterior astigmatism is much more common, accounting for over 90% of cases. This front surface imperfection is usually attributable to genetics but can worsen over time.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Symptoms of astigmatism can include:
- Blurry, distorted vision at any range
- Eyestrain, headaches
- Squinting, sensitivity to light
- Trouble seeing details up close or far away
Severity can range from mild all the way to legally blind. Treatment is vital, especially in children, to allow normal visual development.
What Causes Astigmatism?
The exact cause is often uncertain but contributing factors may include:
- Genetics - family history/hereditary traits passed down
- Birth defect - irregular corneal shape from gestation
- Aging - changes to lens shape over time
- Injuries - trauma, surgery, inflammation
- Disease - diabetes, multiple sclerosis, etc.
Why Astigmatism Progresses with Age
The natural aging process takes a toll on all parts of the body, including the eyes. Over time, structural changes occur that can increase astigmatism severity. Reasons it tends to get worse as we get older include:
Hardening of Eye Lens
The clear lens inside the eye is flexible and changes shape to focus light at different distances. But as the proteins in the lens break down and it gets cloudy, it also becomes stiffer. This distorts the curvature and angle that light enters they eye.
Loss of Cornea Elasticity
The cornea gives the eye much of its focusing power thanks to its dome-like shape. But corneal tissue can weaken, get drier, and become less flexible with age. A misshapen cornea leads to increased astigmatism over time.
Eyelid Changes
Drooping upper eyelids (ptosis) or eyelid retraction alters the angle light enters the eye as we get older. This affects focus ability and astigmatism correction needs.
Tissue Damage Accumulation
Environmental exposure, eye injuries and health conditions take a toll on ocular structures. Accumulated damage from a lifetime of oxidative stress, UV exposure, poor diet, trauma, etc. contributes to astigmatism progression.
At What Age Does Astigmatism Worsen?
There’s no set age when vision sharpness starts to decline. But most optometrists agree patients start needing stronger astigmatism correction in their 40s and 50s. As the crystalline lens hardens and loses elasticity, symptoms increase requiring upgraded prescriptions.
Pediatric cases diagnosed at younger ages often stabilize through childhood but demand increased correction later in life. Advancing age brings accelerated distortion leading many seniors to first develop astigmatism in their 60s or beyond.
Can Astigmatism Change in a Short Time?
In adults, slow gradual progression of astigmatism over decades is typical. But the degree can fluctuate rarely in some circumstances:
- After surgery like LASIK, cataract removal, corneal transplant
- With certain medications - steroids, antipsychotics, immunotherapy
- During pregnancy - hormonal changes and fluid retention
- Following injuries - trauma, inflammation, infection
Rapid shifts in degree typically stabilize but alert your eye doctor to rule out complications.
Options to Correct Astigmatism
No treatment can permanently eliminate astigmatism. But vision correction is vital for sharp sight. Options include:
Glasses
Prescription eyeglasses customized to your specific refractive error help compensate for blurriness. Single vision, bifocal or progressive lenses can be crafted to neutralize astigmatism.
Contact Lenses
Both soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses provide another option to improve sight affected by corneal irregularities. Advanced lens materials and designs help tackle distortions.
Refractive Surgery
Laser correction procedures like LASIK can reshape the cornea’s front surface to reduce astigmatism severity. Similar to glasses and contacts, results may degrade needing enhacements.
Discuss all treatment options thoroughly with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Combination approaches are frequently used to maximize vision potential as the degree changes over time.
Can You Prevent Astigmatism Progression?
Unfortunately, stopping advancement completely isn’t realistic as aging transforms ocular anatomy. But practices like these can help slow changes to maintain better sight longer:
- Wear prescribed correction consistently
- Eat an eye healthy diet - fruits & veggies rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Don’t smoke - promotes cataracts and macular degeneration
- Wear UV blocking sunglasses - protects corneal damage
- Get regular dilated eye exams - monitor changes annually
Catching progression early allows prompt treatment adjustments for maximizing sight potential throughout the aging process.
The Outlook for Age-Related Astigmatism
The bottom line is that most adults will experience gradually worsening astigmatism as they get older. Strategies like updated prescriptions and lifestyle changes help compensate for anatomical shifts.
Staying on top of regular comprehensive eye exams ensures you get the latest lenses or surgical enhancements to see your clearest at any age. But significant deterioration is common without diligent follow-up care.
FAQs
At what age does astigmatism tend to get worse?
Most optometrists report patients needing stronger astigmatism correction beginning in their 40s and 50s as the eye's lens starts to lose elasticity and harden over time.
Can astigmatism change quickly or overnight?
It’s rare in most cases, but astigmatism degree can shift rapidly after eye injuries, surgery, medication changes, etc. Sudden vision changes warrant prompt examination.
What causes astigmatism to get more severe?
Aging processes like hardening lenses, corneal changes, accumulated damage, eyelid shifts and other anatomical transformations lead astigmatism to gradually worsen over the years.
Can anything prevent progression of age-related astigmatism?
Unfortunately you can’t completely stop astigmatism from advancing. But vision correction, diet, eye protection, avoiding smoke, and regular exams help slow changes maximizing sight longer.
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.
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