Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by Aaron Barriga
Many individuals experience vision problems caused by refractive errors, which are commonly attributed to irregularities in the structures of the eye, such as the cornea, lens, or overall shape. Distinguishing between different refractive errors can be challenging since they often coexist. Among these errors, astigmatism and myopia are two prevalent disorders that can affect the eyes. While they share certain similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Understanding Astigmatism and Myopia
Each individual’s eyes are unique, just like snowflakes or fingerprints. Although every eye has its individual shape and size, there are numerous shared features crucial for proper vision and eye health. However, in some cases, these differences can alter the functionality of our eyes.
Astigmatism and myopia serve as prime examples of how unique eye conditions can impact vision. Detecting these conditions early through an eye examination allows optometrists to help manage or improve vision.
Various options exist for correcting vision, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery. Understanding how your eyes affect your visual ability is essential to finding the most comfortable vision correction solution for your needs.
Understanding the Nature of Refractive Errors
Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye is irregular, resulting in vision problems. Each part of the eye serves a specific purpose, and when the shape deviates from the norm, it affects the eye’s function, thus impacting vision and eye health.
Refractive errors refer to vision problems arising from how the eye refracts or reflects light. Light plays a crucial role in our vision, traveling through multiple parts of the eye and being interpreted along the way. The first step in the journey of light through our eyes begins with the outer layer, known as the cornea. When there is an error in how light moves through this outer layer, it is classified as a refractive error.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a unique refractive error because it can cause both near and distant vision problems. This condition occurs when the lens or cornea has an irregular or cylindrical shape.
Minor astigmatism is relatively common, as a perfectly round eye shape is uncommon. In many cases, individuals with minor astigmatism may never notice any symptoms. However, those with moderate to severe astigmatism will likely experience symptoms and require methods of vision support.
Common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Eye Irritation
- Difficulty with Night Vision
- Squinting to Focus Vision
What is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, refers to the ability to see close objects clearly while distant objects appear blurry. This refractive error typically develops during childhood and often stabilizes between the ages of 20 and 40.
As myopia is frequently diagnosed in childhood, it is crucial to implement myopia control measures as early as ages 4 to 6 to prevent further complications in adulthood. Regular eye exams for children play an essential role in monitoring early eye health and managing myopia effectively.
Difference between Astigmatism and Myopia
Shape: Astigmatism occurs when the lens or front surface of the eye is irregular or cylindrical, while myopia arises when the entire eyeball is excessively elongated or when the cornea is excessively curved.
Vision Problems: Both conditions can cause blurred distance vision, but astigmatism may additionally lead to blurred near vision. In the case of degenerative myopia, it can give rise to other ocular complications, such as retinal issues that impact central vision.
Rarity: Astigmatism is the most commonly occurring type of refractive error. However, it often presents in a mild form that may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. On the other hand, myopia, particularly degenerative myopia, is becoming more prevalent. Today, myopia-related vision changes are observed at earlier stages of childhood and continue into adulthood.
Severity: The impact of astigmatism and myopia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, high myopia carries more significant risks to both vision and eye health.
Lens Prescription: In a spectacle prescription, astigmatism is represented by a number enclosed in brackets, which denotes its power in diopters, followed by a degree indicating its orientation.
For instance, let’s consider the prescription: OD – 3.00 (-2) 90°, which pertains to the right eye.
In this case, it signifies:
- Myopia (nearsightedness) of 3 diopters.
- Astigmatism of 2 diopters at an axis of 90 degrees.
Astigmatism can be categorized into weak, medium, or strong based on its magnitude:
- Weak astigmatism ranges from 0 to 1 diopter.
- Medium astigmatism falls between 1 and 2 diopters.
- Strong astigmatism is characterized by values above 2 diopters.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between astigmatism and myopia is key to properly addressing vision issues. While both conditions may affect our ability to see clearly, they have distinct causes and symptoms that require different treatments. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Myopia, on the other hand, causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. By visiting an eye care professional and undergoing a comprehensive eye exam, individuals can determine whether they have astigmatism or myopia and receive appropriate treatment options such as glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
FAQs – Astigmatism vs. Myopia
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
