Astigmatism

While the exact cause of astigmatism may vary on a case to case basis, a person is more likely to have astigmatism if the person is short or long sighted. In some cases, someone might be born with astigmatism while others may find that their astigmatism developed due to age-related changes. Astigmatism is usually something you’re born with, although it can develop later on in life due to age-related changes.

Astigmatism may also be caused by one of the following:

• An eye injury
• Eye surgery
• An eye disease

Your optometrist is able to detect astigmatism during a routine eye test. Astigmatism may be corrected with either glasses, specialised contact lenses (called toric lenses), or even surgery.

Following the eye test, your optometrist will educate you about the condition and advise you on the best options available to you.