Astigmatism is a common eye condition that often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its more well-known counterparts like myopia and hyperopia. Astigmatism is an eye condition where vision is blurry when looking at objects close up and far away.
Astigmatism has the potential to cause headaches due to the strain your eyes and visual system undergo trying to see and process visual information with astigmatism. Astigmatism can be diagnosed during an eye exam and treated with prescription eyeglasses and contacts.
What Is Astigmatism
Imagine your eye is a camera. A healthy eye has a perfectly round lens, like a camera lens, that focuses light onto the retina (like film) at the back of the eye. This gives you clear vision.
With astigmatism, the lens is shaped more like a football. This uneven shape causes light to scatter and focus in multiple spots on the retina, instead of one clear point. This blurry vision can make it hard to see details, both near and far.
Common signs of astigmatism include:
- Blurry vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night
While astigmatism is common, it often goes unnoticed. This is because symptoms can be mild, and many people adapt to their blurry vision without realizing there’s a problem.
Can Astigmatism Cause Headaches?
When your eyes work together smoothly, you see clearly and feel comfortable. But with astigmatism, one or both eyes have a misshapen lens, making it harder for the eyes to focus and work together. Your eyes have to work overtime, straining the muscles around them.
This strain can lead to headaches. These headaches are often a dull ache around your temples and eyes, especially after activities like reading, driving, or using a computer. Some people might also experience eye fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or even dizziness.
If you have frequent headaches and suspect they might be related to your vision, talk to an eye doctor. They can assess your vision and recommend corrective lenses or other treatments to relieve your symptoms.
Signs Your Headaches Might Be Linked to Astigmatism
Headaches can result from numerous causes, so how do you know if astigmatism is the culprit? Here are a few signs to consider:
Blurry or Distorted Vision
If your headaches are accompanied by blurred or distorted vision, especially after focusing on tasks for extended periods astigmatism could be to blame. The need to squint or strain your eyes to see is a significant indicator.
Frequent Eye Strain
Consistent eye strain or discomfort, particularly when reading or using screens, can point to astigmatism. The eyes are working overtime to compensate for the irregular curvature, leading to fatigue.
Headache Location
Headaches concentrated around the eyes and forehead, often described as a band of pressure, might suggest a vision-related trigger. Pay attention to whether your headaches worsen after specific activities requiring visual focus.
Diagnosing Astigmatism-Related Headaches
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, especially after activities like reading or using a computer, it might be time to see an eye doctor. They can check your vision and see if astigmatism is the cause.
During your eye exam, the doctor will perform a few tests to check for astigmatism. These tests include:
- Refraction test: You’ll look through different lenses to find the best prescription for clear vision.
- Corneal topography: These tests measure the curve of your cornea to identify any irregularities.
Be open with your doctor about your symptoms. Tell them about the type of headaches you’re having, how often they occur, and what activities seem to trigger them. This information will help them determine if your vision is the problem.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
There are several effective treatment options available to manage astigmatism and alleviate headaches. The most common approach is corrective lenses, either glasses or contact lenses designed to compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens.
Prescription Glasses
Glasses with prescription lenses can correct the way light enters your eyes, reducing strain and improving visual clarity. They are a practical and non-invasive option for managing astigmatism-related symptoms.
Contact Lenses
Prescription contact lenses offer flexibility for those who lead active lifestyles and prefer not to wear glasses daily. Contact lenses can be specifically made for people with astigmatism and customized to your eye care needs.
Laser Eye Surgery
For those seeking a more permanent solution, refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK is an option. These procedures reshape the cornea, addressing the root cause of astigmatism and potentially eliminating the need for corrective lenses.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Reduce Headache Frequency
In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage headaches related to astigmatism. These strategies focus on minimizing eye strain and promoting overall eye health.
- Regular Breaks from Screens: Prolonged screen time can exacerbate eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule, taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
- Proper Lighting: Ensure your workspace is well-lit to reduce glare and shadows that can strain your eyes. Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screens can also make a significant difference.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet with vitamins A, C, and E can support eye health.
When to See an Eye Specialist
The first step to treating your astigmatism is getting a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist. At Total Vision, we offer a variety of astigmatism treatment options to meet your eye care needs. To get started on treating your astigmatism, you can book an appointment with us today.
