15 Surprising Facts About Astigmatism Your Eyes Want You to Know

If you've ever been told you have astigmatism, or maybe just wondered what it means when you squint at road signs or feel tired after reading, you’re not alone. At Gregory Cox, MD, we believe in not only treating eyes but educating the people behind them. Let’s walk through some facts that might just change how you think about your own vision.

1. Your Cornea Isn’t a Perfect Sphere (And That’s Okay)

Astigmatism happens when the front of your eye (the cornea) is shaped more like a football than a basketball. It’s this shape that bends light unevenly, which leads to blurry or distorted vision. Sound strange? It’s more common than you’d think.

2. You Might Be Born With It, and Never Know

Most cases of astigmatism are congenital, meaning you’re born with it. But not everyone notices it right away. Sometimes, it only shows up during a routine eye exam. It’s like a silent passenger on your vision journey, until it isn’t.

3. There Are Actually Two Types

Yes, really. There’s corneal astigmatism, where the cornea is misshapen, and lenticular astigmatism, which affects the lens inside the eye. Corneal is more common, but both affect how light is focused.

4. Blurry Vision Isn’t the Only Clue

Think you’d know if you had astigmatism? Maybe. But symptoms can also include eye strain, frequent headaches, or that squinty habit you might have developed over time. It’s sneaky like that.

5. Kids Get Astigmatism Too

Here’s the tricky part, young children don’t always complain about blurry vision. They might just think everyone sees that way. That’s why regular eye exams, especially before school starts, are crucial. Dr. Cox always says, “The earlier, the better.”

6. Reading in the Dark Won’t Cause It (But Maybe Rubbing Your Eyes Could)

Let’s bust a myth: sitting too close to the TV or reading in dim light won’t give you astigmatism. But excessively rubbing your eyes? Rubbing can worsen corneal thinning for irregular astigmatism, however for people with regular astigmatism it is not known to impact it.

7. It Can Run in the Family

Astigmatism can be passed down from mom or dad. So if your parents wore glasses, there’s a decent chance you, or your kids, might be following in their footsteps.

8. It’s Not a Disease

Astigmatism sounds serious, but it’s not a disease. It’s a refractive error, just like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Your eye isn’t “sick.” It just needs a little focusing help. That is for regular astigmatism, however irregular astigmatism may indicate an underlying condition such as keratoconus.

9. There Are Three Subtypes (Because of Course There Are)

• Myopic Astigmatism (nearsighted)
• Hyperopic Astigmatism (farsighted)
• Mixed Astigmatism (a little of both)

Each one affects how light focuses on the retina. Dr. Cox determines the type during your comprehensive eye exam.

10. It Can Mess With Your Depth Perception

If you’re bumping into things more than usual or misjudging distances, astigmatism could be to blame. This is more likely the case if you have high astigmatism that is unequal in each eye. And that is because when one eye sees differently than the other, your brain has trouble processing three-dimensional space correctly.

11. It Might Get Worse Over Time...Slightly

Astigmatism is typically stable until a person reaches their fifties, then there may be slight changes over long periods of time. Bigger changes in people’s astigmatism is normally due to eye surgeries or cataract development.

12. Glasses and Contacts Work Wonders

The most common fix? A solid pair of glasses or contacts, often with special “toric” lenses made just for astigmatism. If your current pair isn’t cutting it, Dr. Cox can help adjust your prescription to match your needs.

13. Laser Eye Surgery Can Fix It

Many patients are surprised to learn that LASIK and other refractive surgeries can permanently correct astigmatism. Dr. Cox, with his advanced training in corneal procedures, carefully evaluates whether you’re a good candidate.

14. Not All Contacts Are the Same

Standard contact lenses won’t cut it for astigmatism. Toric lenses, designed to match the specific curve of your eye, stay in place and provide the clarity you need. It’s not one-size-fits-all, it’s custom-tailored.

15. Regular Exams Make All the Difference

Astigmatism often flies under the radar until it starts interfering with daily life. A yearly visit with Dr. Cox, who personally examines every patient, is the best way to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.

Your Eyes Deserve Local Care You Can Trust

At Gregory Cox, MD, we take the time to explain every aspect of your eye health. Whether you're managing astigmatism or just due for a check-up, we're here to help, with skill, heart, and the kind of personalized attention that’s become rare.

Conveniently located across from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton Township, our office is a trusted choice for patients across Trenton, Lawrence, Robbinsville, and beyond.

Need a refresh on your prescription or curious about LASIK options for astigmatism? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Cox today. Your eyes will thank you.