Dizziness is a common complaint that can come from a variety of causes—from inner ear issues to low blood pressure. But what many people in the Philippines may not realize is that their vision could also be a contributing factor. Specifically, uncorrected or poorly managed astigmatism can sometimes lead to sensations of dizziness or imbalance.
Let’s explore how astigmatism affects your vision, how it can contribute to dizziness, and what steps you can take to manage it effectively.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the eye is more shaped like a football. This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina, causing blurred or distorted vision.
There are different types of astigmatism:
- Corneal astigmatism (caused by an irregularly shaped cornea)
- Lenticular astigmatism (caused by an irregular lens shape)
- With-the-rule, against-the-rule, and oblique astigmatism (based on the axis of distortion)
Globally, studies show that up to 40% of people may have some form of astigmatism, and its prevalence increases with age. This makes understanding its impact on health—including dizziness—even more important.
How Does Vision Affect Balance?
Our sense of balance depends on three key systems:
- The vestibular system (inner ear)
- The proprioceptive system (sensation from muscles and joints)
- The visual system (sight)
These three work together to keep you stable. When vision is blurry or distorted—as with uncorrected astigmatism—the brain receives conflicting signals.
This mismatch can confuse your balance system and may lead to symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Disorientation
- Feeling off-balance, especially in bright lights or while reading
How Can Astigmatism Lead to Dizziness?
Blurred Vision and Sensory Conflict
Your eyes help orient you in space. When vision is distorted due to astigmatism, your brain may receive uneven visual input. This conflict can trigger dizziness.
Eye Strain and Fatigue
Struggling to focus on objects can lead to eye strain. Over time, this causes headaches, fatigue, and sometimes feelings of dizziness or “lightheadedness.”
Binocular Vision Issues
Astigmatism can interfere with how both eyes work together (binocular vision). If one eye sees more clearly than the other, your depth perception and spatial awareness may be affected, potentially leading to imbalance.
Adaptation Challenges
When you first get new glasses for astigmatism, your brain may need time to adjust to the corrected visual input. This period of adaptation can cause temporary dizziness.
What Do the Studies Say?
A 2022 systematic review published in Scientific Reports indicated that people with vision impairments, including astigmatism, report dizziness at a statistically higher rate than those with normal vision.
Another study published in ResearchGate found that 5% of patients with chronic dizziness had visual impairments contributing to their symptoms.
Furthermore, patients with oblique astigmatism were shown to have a higher fall risk, underscoring the connection between vision and balance.
These findings reinforce the need for a full visual exam when dizziness is unexplained by inner ear or neurological issues.
Diagnosis: When Should You Suspect Astigmatism as a Cause?
If you experience any of the following, you may want to already consult an eye doctor:
- Frequent dizziness not explained by other conditions
- Headaches after reading or screen time
- Blurred or double vision
- Balance issues while walking or standing
An eye care professional can conduct tests like refraction, keratometry, and a binocular vision exam to diagnose astigmatism and assess its severity.
What You Can Do
- Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam if you’ve been feeling dizzy with no clear cause.
- Make sure your prescription is up to date.
- Don’t ignore symptoms like frequent squinting, headaches, or difficulty focusing.
Proper diagnosis is key to resolving dizziness that may be linked to your vision.
Prioritizing Your Eye Health and Well-being
While dizziness can arise from many different causes, uncorrected astigmatism is one often overlooked contributor. Blurred vision, poor eye coordination, and visual strain can all disrupt your body’s sense of balance.
Fortunately, astigmatism is manageable. With refractive surgery being highly recommended, patients can regain clarity and reduce dizziness symptoms. If you suspect your vision is affecting your balance, the first step is a professional eye examination.
At Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, we combine advanced technology and expert care to help you see clearly and live comfortably. As one of the leading LASIK providers in the Philippines, we are here to support your vision and well-being.
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