Find a store
 Menu

Astigmatism

What astigmatism means for your eyes and what helps.

What is astigmatism?

In New Zealand, astigmatism is a common cause of blurry or distorted vision. It’s usually down to the shape of your eye being slightly irregular. You may have been born with it, or it can show up as you get older. Astigmatism can occur with other vision conditions such as short or long‑sightedness. 

Astigmatism is when the shape of your eye is a bit like a rugby ball. It’s a small change, but it can affect how clearly you see. Your optometrist (sometimes still called an optician) can spot astigmatism during a standard eye test

Understanding astigmatism

To understand astigmatism, see how your eye is shaped and how it focuses light.

  1. 1 of 3

    Cornea

    Astigmatism tends to begin here. When the cornea is curved more one way than another, light bends unevenly, causing vision to blur.

  2. 2 of 3

    Lens

    The lens which is located just behind the iris can also cause astigmatism if it is distorted and/or unevenly shaped. When this occurs, it is called lenticular astigmatism.

  3. 3 of 3

    Retina

    Light normally focuses on a single point on the retina at the back of your eye. Astigmatism scatters that light and causes it to focus on two separate points on the retina, resulting in the vision becoming blurry and distorted.

What impact does astigmatism have on your sight?

Astigmatism can cause blurred vision, especially around the edges of what you’re looking at, and Lines can look wavy or bent.  

Halos around lights, especially when driving at night, are another common sign. You might also have to squint when reading small writing and experience eyestrain and discomfort when focusing. When both eyes are affected, it can impact depth perception.

How do you know if you have astigmatism?

Think you might have astigmatism? Here are a few signs:

  1. Blurry or distorted vision

  2. Squinting to see clearly

  3. Light glare or scatter, especially at night

  4. Tired eyes or headaches

If something feels off, an eye test can check it out.

Book an eye test

What are the different types of astigmatism?

There are various types of astigmatism, based on which part of the eye it affects:

Corneal astigmatism

This form of astigmatism happens when the cornea, at the front of your eye, has an uneven curvature. It’s shaped more like a rugby ball, which causes light to bend differently and can make your sight appear blurred and/or distorted. 

Lenticular astigmatism

This is caused by the lens inside the eye being slightly irregular in shape or tilted. Like corneal astigmatism, it makes it harder for light to focus properly on the retina, which can blur your vision at different distances. 

Myopic astigmatism

This occurs when one or both principal meridians of the eye are myopic, meaning the eye bends light in front of the retina. If both meridians of the eyes are short‑sighted, but by different amounts, it’s called compound myopic astigmatism. If only one is, it’s simple myopic astigmatism.

Hyperopic astigmatism

Similar to myopic astigmatism. If both meridians of the eyes are long‑sighted, but by different amounts, it’s compound hyperopic astigmatism. Conversely, if only one meridian is hyperopic, it’s simple hyperopic astigmatism. 

Mixed astigmatism

This occurs when one principal meridian is myopic, whilst the other is hyperopic. This type combines myopic and hyperopic astigmatism and causes blur at both near and far distances.

What causes astigmatism?

Most people with astigmatism are born with it. It’s often inherited and happens when the front of the eye (the cornea) or the lens inside has an uneven shape. That stops light from focusing properly and makes your vision look blurry or distorted. It’s more common in premature or low birth weight babies. 

Other causes of astigmatism

Changes with age

Astigmatism can also appear later in life, either gradually or if there are any changes to the shape of the cornea or lens. It can also occur alongside refractive eye conditions such as short‑sightedness and long‑sightedness. Mild astigmatism is very common. As very few eyes are perfectly spherical in shape. 

Keratoconus

A rare progressive eye condition where the cornea becomes thinner and bulges outwards into a cone shape. It often causes more noticeable astigmatism. 

Eye surgery

Some surgeries, like cataract procedures, can affect the shape of your cornea and lead to astigmatism.

Eye injuries

Blows or cuts to the eye can leave scarring, which can change the shape of the cornea and cause astigmatism.

Scarring from infection

Infections or ulcers on the cornea can leave scars that affect how your eye bends light.

Contact lens use

Incorrectly fitted or excessively worn hard contact lenses can change your eye’s shape, usually temporarily. Once the lens has been discontinued or the fitting errors corrected, the condition in this circumstance can be reversed. 

Dilated pupils and astigmatism: what to know

When your pupils are more dilated, like in low light or at night, you might notice your vision gets blurrier. A dilated pupil allows more peripheral light to enter the eye. This increase in light entering the eye exacerbates the refractive error that leads to astigmatism.

This can make vision seem blurrier at night or when light levels shift. Toric Contact lenses for astigmatism can help you see more clearly, whatever the conditions.

View contact lenses for astigmatism

What optometrists say about astigmatism

Our expert optometrists see people with astigmatism every day. Here, one of our optometrists talks about what to look out for, what to expect during an eye test, and how they help people see clearly again often with just a small change in prescription.

Who’s more likely to have astigmatism?

Astigmatism is common, but these things make it more likely:

  1. A family history of astigmatism

  2. Other conditions like short‑sightedness or long‑sightedness

  3. Past eye injuries or surgeries

  4. Eye conditions that change the shape of the cornea, like keratoconus

  5. It can often be associated with age, certain medical conditions and environmental factors as well.

It often appears with age too. Noticing a change? book an eye test.

What happens when we check for astigmatism?

When you book an eye test, your optometrist will ask a few questions about your vision and go over your earlier test results.

One of those early checks is an autorefractor test. This scans how your eyes bend light. It’s helpful in spotting astigmatism, especially if your eye bends light unevenly.

An optometrist examines an older male patient’s eyes using a slit lamp in a clinical setting.

We may also use a retinoscope, a tool that shines a light into your eye and checks how it reflects. It’s one of the ways we confirm if astigmatism is there, and how much correction is needed. 

We also do a Jackson cross cylinder test. You’ll be asked to choose between two lenses, neither will look perfect, but one will feel just a bit better. It’s how we fine‑tune your prescription for clearer sight. 

No one’s eyes are the same. Your optometrist can help find what works best for how you see and live. 

Treatment options for astigmatism

An optometrist will help work out what’s right for your vision and lifestyle.

  • Stylish glasses

    Glasses

    Wearing glasses is a straightforward way to correct astigmatism. The lenses adjust the way light enters the eye and focuses the light to improve clarity.

    Explore glasses
  • Woman holding contact lenses

    Contact lenses

    Toric lenses are designed for eyes with astigmatism. They sit comfortably on your eye and help focus light properly, so your vision is sharper and more stable.

    Explore contact lenses

  • Eye tests

    With a comprehensive eye test, we can check for astigmatism and see what lenses will help sharpen your sight.

    Book an eye test
  • Woman smiling

    Laser eye surgery

    Some people in New Zealand consider laser eye surgery as a more permanent fix for astigmatism

    Find out more

Can you prevent astigmatism?

Astigmatism isn’t a condition that can be entirely prevented. It usually depends on the shape of your eyes and can be influenced by genetics, development and environmental factors. But eye tests are key to keeping your vision on track and potentially reducing its impact. 

Small changes in eyesight are easy to miss. That’s why regular checks help you stay on top of things, especially if you wear glasses or contacts.

What if you don’t get astigmatism treated?

Astigmatism is a focusing error, not a disease. But if it’s not corrected, especially in children, it can cause complications.

Lazy eye (amblyopia)

Occurs when there is a disruption in how the brain and the eye work together. One eye might do more work than the other, leading the brain to favour inputs from the stronger eye, resulting in the weaker eye to become lazy or amblyopic. Regular eye tests for kids help catch this early.

Strabismus (squint)

Strabismus is characterised by the misalignment of the eyes. To compensate for uncorrected astigmatism, unequal focusing efforts are required by the eyes. This results in muscle imbalance and misalignment, leading to the development of strabismus and can cause a squint.

Astigmatism: your questions answered

Did you know?

AA Members are entitled to a free eye test (valued at $60), once every two years. Remember to present your AA Membership card in‑store.

Book an appointmentSee more eye conditions

Written with care and checked for accuracy

https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/4AppA3MIOFvVkssijFwaOY/31aec0cbbe169b9e2553b7000095f604/26e949b7-1943-4327-bdbd-b3beac345c52.jpg

Dr Ambhruni Padhye

BSc. (Hons), OD

Dr Ambhruni Padhye graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science(Honours) and Doctor of Optometry. She has a background in clinical research and extensive experience practising full scope optometry. She has worked as an Optometrist in various Specsavers stores across both metropolitan and regional Victoria and has held positions at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and National Vision Research Institute (NVRI).

In her current role within the Clinical Services team, Ambhruni supports Specsavers Optometrist across Australia and New Zealand in various clinical governance and professional services matters. She also contributes to new clinical initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes.

Could your vision changes be down to something else?

Tired eyes, fuzzy vision or headaches? It might not be astigmatism, other eye issues can feel similar.

Find out more

  • A man undergoes an eye exam, looking into a slit lamp while an eye care professional examines his eye.

    Why do I need an eye test?

    Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.

    Check your vision
  • A optometrist operates an eye examination machine while an older man sits in front of it.

    Your store visit explained

    At Specsavers we are focused on caring for your eyes and giving you the best possible vision.

    What to expect in‑store
  • A friendly optometrist giving advice to a patient in the test room.

    More on eye tests

    An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.

    All about eye tests

Let's get your vision sorted

Noticed a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.

Book an eye test