Astigmatism makes vision blurry or stretched at all distances. Learn what causes it, the CYL and AXIS numbers on your prescription, and how glasses and toric contact lenses correct it.
If your prescription has numbers under CYL and AXIS, you have astigmatism. It is extremely common: many people who wear glasses have at least a small amount. Yet it is one of the least understood eye conditions. Here is a clear explanation.
What Is Astigmatism?
A normal cornea (the clear front window of the eye) is shaped like a football: evenly curved in all directions. With astigmatism, the cornea or lens is shaped more like a rugby ball, curved more in one direction than the other. Light focuses at two different points instead of one, so images look blurred or stretched.
Symptoms
- Blurry or distorted vision at both distance and near
- Letters that look smeared or doubled, for example “E” looking like “B”
- Glare and streaks around lights at night, especially oncoming headlights
- Eye strain and headaches after reading or screen work
- Squinting to see clearly
Causes
- Mostly present from birth and often runs in families
- Can change slightly with age
- Can follow eye injury or eye surgery
- Keratoconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea, causes increasing astigmatism, often in teenagers and young adults. Constant eye rubbing is linked with it, so allergy control matters.
Reading the Numbers on Your Prescription
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SPH | Spherical power for short or long sight |
| CYL | Cylinder: the amount of astigmatism |
| AXIS | The direction of astigmatism, from 0 to 180 degrees |
The axis must be set accurately in your lenses; even a small error in a higher cylinder can cause discomfort. This is one reason your glasses should be made and checked by a professional optical store.
How Is Astigmatism Corrected?
Glasses
Cylindrical lenses correct astigmatism precisely. For higher powers, an anti-reflective coating and a well-fitted frame make a big difference to comfort. Browse our prescription glasses service.
Toric contact lenses
Special toric soft lenses are weighted to stay in the right position on the eye. They need careful fitting. Learn more about contact lenses in Haripur.
Refractive surgery
Laser procedures can reduce astigmatism in suitable adults; this is done by an ophthalmologist after detailed tests.
Adapting to New Astigmatism Glasses
When you first wear glasses with a new or changed cylinder, floors may look tilted or objects slightly curved for a few days. This usually settles within one to two weeks. If it does not, come back for a check; we will verify the lenses and the fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does astigmatism get worse?
Usually it stays fairly stable in adults. A rapid change, especially in a young person, should be checked for keratoconus.
Can I have astigmatism and still see 6/6?
With a small amount, yes, but you may still get eye strain or headaches. Correcting it can make reading and screen work more comfortable.
Are blue-cut lenses available with cylinder power?
Yes. Blue-cut and photochromic lenses can be made with your full prescription, including cylinder.
Visit Sardar Eye Clinic & Optics, Haripur
Railway Station Road, Central Jail Bazar, Haripur · Open 7 days, 10am – 8:30pm · Free eye camp every Sunday, 10am – 2pm
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Medically reviewed by
Optometrist at Sardar Eye Clinic & Optics, Railway Station Road, Haripur, BS Optometry (Khyber Medical University) and hospital training at HMC Peshawar and Abbottabad Medical Complex, experienced in eye examinations, glasses and contact-lens prescriptions, and children’s eye care. This article is for general information — book an eye test for advice about your own eyes.
