Astigmatism Explained and How to Correct It

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects many people in Singapore, often causing blurred or distorted vision. While it may sound serious, in most cases astigmatism can be easily managed and corrected using contact lenses and spectacles.At Spectacle Hut, we offer specialised solutions such as toric contact lenses and prescription glasses for astigmatism to help you see clearly and comfortably.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of your eye is not perfectly round but instead has an irregular curve. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to:

• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Squinting to see clearly
• Eye strain or headaches
• Difficulty seeing at night

Many people in Singapore have mild astigmatism without realising it, which is why a professional eye examination at Spectacle Hut is important for accurate diagnosis.

Correcting Astigmatism

The good news is that astigmatism can be corrected with the right eyewear or contact lenses. Here are the most common solutions:

1. Astigmatism Glasses

Specially prescribed lenses help bend light correctly onto the retina, providing sharper and clearer vision.

2. Toric Contact Lenses

Unlike regular contact lenses, toric lenses are designed with different powers across the lens surface to correct the irregular curvature of the eye.

• They provide stable, clear vision for astigmatism.
• Available in both daily disposable and reusable options.
• Comfortable and easy to adapt to with modern lens technology.

At Spectacle Hut, our optometrists can recommend the best toric contact lenses based on your lifestyle and eye health.

3. Other Treatments

In more severe cases, laser surgery or other corrective procedures may be considered. However, for most people, glasses or toric lenses provide effective, non-invasive solutions.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, and Singapore is no exception. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma develops slowly and without obvious early warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, significant vision damage may already have occurred.
That’s why regular eye exams are essential. At Spectacle Hut, we provide comprehensive eye exams to help detect glaucoma early, giving you the best chance to protect your eyesight.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by damage to the optic nerve, usually linked to high pressure inside the eye. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma
  The most common form, developing gradually without noticeable symptoms.
• Angle-closure glaucoma
  Less common but more severe, developing suddenly with intense symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma

Glaucoma often develops silently, but some glaucoma symptoms to watch for include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Blurred or hazy vision.
• Seeing halos around lights
• Eye pain or redness (especially in acute cases)
• Headaches and nausea (with angle-closure glaucoma)

Since symptoms can be subtle, many people don’t realise they have glaucoma until it’s advanced. This makes regular eye examinations at Spectacle Hut vital for early detection.

WHAT IS HIGH MYOPIA?

The degree or severity of myopia is usually measured as negative by opticians, for example, mild myopia is measured at between -0.25 to -3.00 dioptres (D).

High myopia is categorised as any level measuring greater than -6.00 D. People with high myopia can be at risk from other complications related to eye health, such as cataracts, glaucoma or retinal detachment.

What are dioptres? Dioptres are the units of measurement used when describing the level of impairment. If you wear prescription lenses, the correction required in measured in dioptres with negative (-) meaning you’re shortsighted and positive (+) meaning you have longsightedness.

IS THERE A CURE FOR MYOPIA?

There is no definitive way to permanently end shortsightedness just yet. However, prescription glasses, contact lenses and eye surgery are effective measures for improving eyesight. Regular eye check-ups with an optometrist will help monitor myopic cases and ensure optimal eye health. Links have also been made between spending time outdoors, especially in the sun, and a positive effect on eyesight. Parents are also advised to limit the time children spend in front of computers or on digital devices like mobile phones and tablets as overuse can cause eyestrain.

LIVING WITH MYOPIA

Being shortsighted can make it difficult to function effectively, because of your impaired vision. It can also be uncomfortable for many people, who suffer from eyestrain and headaches as a direct side effect of myopia. The most common and effective way to manage the condition in children is to use prescription lenses such as Myopilux. It corrects far vision and reduces strain for near vision, which differs from the usual single vision lenses that only correct the vision, but do not help with eye strain. This allows you to enjoy perfect and comfortable vision, as well as ensuring the condition does not worsen.