Let’s define astigmatism.

Astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by a refractive error in the eye’s lens, which can result in blurred vision. This error happens when the eye’s cornea or lens is irregularly shaped. The condition is easily corrected with contact lenses or glasses.

There are two categories of astigmatism. Corneal astigmatism (also known as regular) which is caused by a distorted cornea and lenticular astigmatism (also known as irregular) which is caused by a distorted lens.

Corneal is the most common form, this occurs when the cornea is irregularly curved in one direction more than the other. The shape of the eye in this case is commonly said to look more like a rugby ball than a football. Lenticular astigmatism can be recognised by an optician from the irregular curvature of the eye’s lens, often in multiple different directions.

Although there are two main reasons or categories for astigmatism there are actually three ways your vision can be affected, they are classified as: myopic (nearsightedness), hyperopic (farsightedness) and mixed (a combination of near and farsightedness).

• Blurred vision, short and long
• Eye strain
• Headache
• Squinting
• Difficulty seeing at night, which can affect driving

Astigmatism is usually found alongside other eye conditions notably short-sightedness and long-sightedness.

If you are experiencing any of these common symptoms or a combination and think you might have astigmatism, simply book an eye test with your optician. You don’t need special equipment or to visit the doctors.

If you’re uncertain and don’t have time for a trip to the optician, you can always do a preliminary test at home. There are two simple tests you can do to determine the level of astigmatism in your eyes, the dial test and the line test, visit vision and eye health to find out for yourself.

Astigmatism is not so serious that it causes blindness. However, it can make life harder, as vision can become blurred.

While astigmatism can be present at birth, it can also develop at any stage of life. Although optometrists don’t unanimously agree why astigmatism develops, they do agree it’s likely to be passed through family genes. It can also follow an injury, eye surgery or eye disease. Because it can be hereditary, it’s a good idea to test for astigmatism in children at a young age.

No, it’s a myth. Sitting too close to the TV or reading in the dark will not cause astigmatism, but it can weaken the eyes leading to eyestrain, tiredness and headaches. Read more at essilor.com.

People sometimes ask, ‘can too much screen time damage my eyes?’, sorry the answer is yes. Too much screen time, whether you’re overexposed to white light at work or browsing your mobile at the weekend can lead to digital eye strain. Sadly, it affects children too, especially if they are glued to their tablets for many hours at a time.

Despite some online articles claiming otherwise, astigmatism won’t get better over time. Astigmatism, as with any eye condition can worsen with age. Don’t worry there are options to alleviate the condition.