Astigmatism is one of the most common vision conditions affecting people across all ages. Many Filipinos live with it without fully understanding how it impacts their vision. While it might sound intimidating at first, astigmatism is manageable, especially when diagnosed and treated early.
Knowing the levels of astigmatism is an important step in understanding how this condition affects daily life, and what can be done about it.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error, much like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). It occurs when the eye’s cornea or lens is irregularly shaped. Instead of having a perfectly round curve, like a basketball, the surface of the eye resembles a football. This uneven shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
Most people have some degree of astigmatism. It can be present from birth or develop later in life due to eye injuries, surgery, or conditions like keratoconus. In children, astigmatism is often discovered during routine eye exams. In adults, it may become more noticeable with prolonged screen use, eye strain, or nighttime driving difficulties.
The Importance of Knowing Astigmatism Levels
Not all astigmatism is the same. Eye doctors classify astigmatism based on its severity, which helps in choosing the right treatment. The higher the level, the more it can interfere with your daily activities.
Understanding the grade of astigmatism helps patients make informed decisions, whether it’s about getting eyeglasses, trying contact lenses, or considering surgery.
The Four Levels of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is measured in diopters (D), which represent the amount of correction needed to fix the irregular shape. Here are the four general levels:
Mild Astigmatism (< 1.00 D)
This level is very common and may not cause noticeable symptoms. Many people with mild astigmatism don’t require corrective lenses unless they experience eyestrain or frequent headaches.
Doctors often monitor mild astigmatism over time, especially in children. If symptoms persist, glasses or contact lenses might be recommended.
Moderate Astigmatism (1.00 to 2.00 D)
Vision becomes slightly more distorted. Reading, driving, or using screens for long periods may become uncomfortable.
Corrective lenses such as glasses or toric contact lenses are often needed. With proper correction, individuals can function normally without major limitations.
Severe Astigmatism (2.00 to 3.00 D)
This level causes significant vision problems. Without correction, tasks like reading small text or recognizing faces at a distance become challenging. People with severe astigmatism typically require prescription eyewear.
Some may explore refractive surgery if they are good candidates and want a long-term solution.
Extreme Astigmatism (> 3.00 D)
Vision is heavily impacted, and even with glasses or regular contact lenses, correction may be incomplete. Patients may need rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or hybrid contact lenses. In some cases, advanced procedures like LASIK or corneal implants may be recommended.
Types of Astigmatism
Understanding the levels is only one part. Astigmatism can also be categorized by type:
- Corneal Astigmatism: Caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
- Lenticular Astigmatism: Caused by an irregularly shaped lens.
- Regular Astigmatism: The most common type; the eye’s meridians are perpendicular.
- Irregular Astigmatism: Often due to eye injury or disease like keratoconus; harder to correct with standard lenses.
Diagnosis: How Is Astigmatism Measured?
Eye care professionals use various tools to assess astigmatism:
- Visual Acuity Test: Measures clarity of vision.
- Keratometry: Evaluates corneal curvature.
- Autorefraction: Provides an estimate of the required lens power.
- Corneal Topography: Creates a detailed map of the cornea’s surface.
The most telling part of your eye prescription is the CYL (cylinder) value, which indicates the amount of astigmatism correction needed. The Axis shows the orientation of the correction.
Astigmatism in the Philippines: Local Data and Trends
Recent studies have shown an increase in astigmatism among Filipino children. A 2023 analysis revealed that up to 35% of school-aged children in Metro Manila have some form of astigmatism, an increase linked to extended screen use and reduced outdoor activity during the pandemic years.
Urban populations tend to show higher rates of astigmatism, likely due to lifestyle factors such as digital device usage and poor eye habits. Eye care providers in the Philippines stress the importance of routine screenings in schools and barangay health centers.
Conclusion: Why Early Attention to Astigmatism Matters
Astigmatism may be common, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Recognizing the levels of astigmatism can help you take control of your vision before complications arise. Whether it’s mild or extreme, there are effective treatments available to restore clarity and comfort.
For those living in the Philippines, where vision care access is improving, taking the step to get your eyes checked can make a life-changing difference.
At Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, we specialize in comprehensive eye care. With advanced diagnostic tools and a team of experienced LASIK surgeons, we help patients understand their condition and guide them toward the most suitable treatment options. If you or a loved one are concerned about blurry vision, schedule a consultation with us today. Your vision is our mission.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
Our commitment to evidence-based information ensures that you receive trustworthy and up-to-date details to make informed decisions about your eye care.
Resources Used in This Article
- Wikipedia. “Astigmastism, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astigmatism“
- AJMC. “Prevalence, Severity of Astigmatism Increased in Children After Pandemic, https://www.ajmc.com/view/prevalence-severity-of-astigmatism-increased-in-children-after-pandemic“
- PubMed. “Prevalence and Severity of Astigmatism in Children After COVID-19, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40111372/“
- Ophthalmology Times. “Increased paediatric astigmatism prevalence and severity after COVID-19, https://europe.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/increased-paediatric-astigmatism-prevalence-and-severity-after-covid-19“