Astigmatism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Astigmatism?
An optometrist or an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor) treats astigmatism. A primary care doctor can also check your vision and refer you to an eye specialist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error of the eye. Refractive errors happen when the eye does not bend light the right way, so vision is blurred. With astigmatism, the cornea is abnormally curved. The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. This makes vision out of focus. Vision can be blurred or distorted at all distances. Night vision can also be harder.
Astigmatism is very common. It often occurs together with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Nearsightedness is trouble seeing far away. Farsightedness is trouble seeing up close. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem.
Symptoms
Astigmatism makes it hard to see fine details, either close up or from a distance. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Glare or halos around bright lights.
- A need to squint to see clearly.
- Headaches.
- Eye strain or tired eyes.
- Trouble focusing when reading or using a computer.
You may not notice vision changes right away. That is why regular eye exams matter.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of astigmatism is unknown. It is most often present from birth. You may be more likely to have one if other family members wear glasses or contact lenses. Astigmatism sometimes happens after certain types of eye surgery, such as cataract surgery. If it gets worse, it may be a sign of keratoconus.
How doctors diagnose it
Astigmatism is easily found with a standard eye exam and a refraction test. The refraction test measures how your eyes focus light. Special tests are not needed in most cases. People who cannot answer a normal refraction test, such as young children, can have a retinoscopy. This test uses reflected light to measure the refraction. An eye care specialist may also use drops to widen the pupils and check for other eye problems.
Treatment
Mild astigmatism may not need to be corrected. Glasses or contact lenses will correct astigmatism, but they do not cure it. Laser surgery can change the shape of the cornea surface. It can eliminate astigmatism, along with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Laser vision correction can most often eliminate or greatly reduce astigmatism. Astigmatism may change with time, so you may need new glasses or contact lenses now and then.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider or eye doctor if vision problems get worse, or do not improve with glasses or contact lenses. In children, uncorrected astigmatism in only one eye may cause amblyopia. Amblyopia is also called lazy eye. Children should have regular eye exams.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can check your vision during a visit and refer you to an eye doctor for a full exam and a prescription.
Common questions
Can astigmatism be cured?
Glasses and contact lenses correct astigmatism but do not cure it. Laser surgery can change the shape of the cornea. It can most often eliminate or greatly reduce astigmatism.
Does astigmatism get worse with age?
Astigmatism may change with time, requiring new glasses or contact lenses. If it gets worse, see an eye doctor. Worsening astigmatism may be a sign of keratoconus.
Can children have astigmatism?
Yes. It is most often present from birth. Uncorrected astigmatism in only one eye may cause amblyopia, also called lazy eye. So children need regular eye exams.
Why do I need new glasses more often?
Astigmatism may change with time, so you may need new glasses or contact lenses. Regular eye exams can show these changes. Your eye care specialist can update your glasses or contact lenses.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Astigmatism: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- MedlinePlus - Refractive Errors | Astigmatism | Myopia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
