Understanding Astigmatism: Top FAQs Answered by Medfin Experts

No, this is a myth. Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs due to an irregular shape of the cornea or lens and causes blurred vision. It is generally a hereditary condition or can be caused due to circumstances such as an eye injury, complications from surgery, etc. However, it cannot be caused by external factors such as reading or watching television.

Astigmatism may be present at birth for many people but may not be diagnosed until later. However, astigmatism can develop at any age, from causes such as an eye injury, surgery complications, other eye conditions, etc.

There are two time-related criteria for undergoing LASIK surgery. The first is that your eyes should have stopped developing, which happens around age 18. The second is that your lens prescription needs to be stable for at least one year. Astigmatism can continue to change until around age 25. Thus, it is better to wait till you are 25 and then consult an eye doctor about your eligibility for LASIK surgery for astigmatism. 

Yes, it is possible to have astigmatism without any symptoms. In cases like mild astigmatism, a person may not find any noticeable difference in their vision and clarity. This is why it is important for children and adults to have regular eye exams for detecting and monitoring astigmatism. 

Yes, people with astigmatism usually require a special type of contact lens called a toric lens to correct their vision. Toric lenses focus on different parts of the eye lens to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness that usually exists alongside astigmatism. These lenses also have a design feature that allows them to rotate to the perfect angle on the front of your eye.