We frequently hear people talking about being “myopic” or having “astigmatism.” Both are eye conditions that do not allow you to see clearly, and typically require corrective treatments like wearing specs and contact lenses. But they are quite different.
At Sohana Eye Hospital, patients often come asking, “I got to know I have astigmatism, not myopia. What’s the difference?” In this blog, we are going to explain things in simple terms.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness as we commonly know it, means you can see nearby things clearly, but those at a distance appear blurry. Myopia occurs when your eyeball grows a little longer than normal, which causes light to fall in front of the retina – not directly on it. This affects your distance vision, and objects at a distance, like road signs, classroom boards, wall clocks, and TVs, look blurry (or out of focus). Myopia does not affect near vision.
What are the Common Signs of Myopia?
- Straining the eyes to see distant objects
- Frequent headaches
- Eye strain
- Moving too close to the classroom boards, TV, and even books
- Trouble seeing clearly at night
Myopia generally starts during childhood or adolescence and tends to aggravate over time, until around the age of 18. Myopia is becoming increasingly common in today’s young generation, owing to limited outdoor activities (exposure to natural daylight) and screen-heavy lifestyles.
Also Read: Can Your Smartphone Be the Cause of Eye Problems?
At Sohana Eye Hospital, myopia is one of the most common eye problems we diagnose, manage, and treat. To deal with the rapidly growing problem, Sohana Hospital has a dedicated Myopia Management Clinic – the first-of-its-kind in the tricity. Highly qualified eye specialists make a precise diagnosis, followed by the right myopia treatment as per your age, requirements, and preferences.
👉 Did you know? It is expected that by the year 2050, half of the world’s population will be myopic!
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism (or cylindrical power) has nothing to do with distance. Rather, it’s about distortion. A normal eye has a smooth and evenly spherical cornea (the clear, outer surface of the eye). Having said that, it is also important to mention that several people have minor astigmatism – since a perfectly round eye shape is uncommon. But it may not come to notice, as there may not be any obvious symptoms.
When you have astigmatism, your cornea’s shape becomes irregular, like a rugby ball. The result is that light focuses at multiple points, causing vision to become stretched or blurry at all distances.
Also Read: What is Eye Power? Causes, Symptoms & How to Control
What are the Common Signs of Astigmatism?
- Distorted or blurry vision (both far and near)
- Eye irritation
- Eye strain and exhaustion
- Diminished night vision
- Squinting to focus
- Frequent changes in the specs-number
If someone has both myopia and astigmatism, their eyes are elongated as well as irregularly curved.
Myopia vs Astigmatism: Key Differences
While both are eye conditions that affect visual clarity, they differ in their causes, symptoms, and management.
| Basis of Difference | Myopia | Astigmatism |
| Main Cause | Elongated eyeball or excessively curved cornea | Irregular shape of the cornea (or eye lens) |
| Other Factors | Genetics, environmental factors | Genetics, environmental factors |
| Signs | Faraway objects look blurred, tired eyes (squinting may also be present) | Distorted (blurry) vision at all distances, frequent headaches, eye strain |
| Eye Appearance | Elongation of the eyeball may become visible in high myopia | No visible change |
| Nature of the Condition | Light falls in front of the retina, not on it | Uneven refraction of light in multiple directions |
| Risk Factors | Family history, prolonged close work, limited exposure to natural daylight, genetics | Family history, eye surgery, eye injury |
| Diagnosis | Comprehensive eye exam, visual acuity test, refraction test | Comprehensive eye exam, corneal topography, keratometry |
| Treatment Options | Specs, contact lenses, refractive eye surgery (LASIK/laser) | Specs, toric lenses, refractive eye surgery (LASIK/laser) |
| Prevention | Ample exposure to natural daylight, limiting screen use, and regular eye checkups for children | Cannot be prevented, but progression can be managed |
Also Read: Wavelight Plus InnovEyes vs SMILE: Which Is Better for You?
Which is More Common – Myopia or Astigmatism?
The answer is – myopia is more common. But astigmatism often coexists with it. Clinical studies indicate that currently, more than 30% of the global population has myopia, and the figures are rising fast, particularly in the younger generations. Astigmatism occurs in nearly 1 in 3 people. However, several cases are mild and do not get detected until a comprehensive eye examination is conducted.
What does it mean? Myopia and astigmatism may occur independently or together. What matters is how precisely they are diagnosed and corrected.
Prevention Tips: Lifestyle Changes to Slow Progression of Myopia and Astigmatism
Sometimes, you can prevent or slow down the progression of myopia and astigmatism by adhering to the following tips:
- Limit prolonged screen exposure
- Take frequent breaks from digital devices
- Avoid reading or working in low light
- Expose your eyes to natural light by engaging in outdoor activities
- Protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun by wearing sunglasses
- Eat eye-healthy foods for proper nourishment
- Get regular eye checkups for early detection of any vision problems
When to Visit a Doctor for Myopia or Astigmatism
Experiencing persistent blurred vision, eye strain, frequent headaches, or difficulty seeing clearly? It’s time to consult the best eye doctor in Chandigarh at Sohana Eye Hospital, Mohali.
Parents should stay cautious and prioritise their child’s vision. Children must have annual eye tests to ensure their vision is fine. For those with a family history of refractive error(s), early detection can help with timely management and correction. If someone already has myopia or astigmatism, regular eye tests can help detect any changes in prescription.
Conclusion
Both myopia and astigmatism affect vision and make it difficult for the affected individual to see clearly, but there is a significant difference between the two. Myopia makes distant vision unclear, whereas astigmatism gives distorted vision at all distances.
Should you have any issues with your vision, do visit Sohana Hospital. It’s a leading super-speciality eye care facility located in the heart of Punjab. Not only does the hospital have the most advanced diagnostic equipment for precise detection of eye conditions, but it also has the latest cutting-edge treatments. It is the first hospital in the tricity to have a full-fledged myopia management clinic to manage and treat myopia in children.
From vision therapy and prescription spectacles to the most advanced US-FDA approved refractive eye surgeries, Sohana Hospital offers all the latest treatments. We help children manage myopia and astigmatism through the use of prescription eyeglasses, pharmacological eye drops, vision therapy, orthokeratology, and other non-invasive treatments.
If you are aged 18 or above, you can choose to get your refractive error eliminated through LASIK/laser eye surgeries – Wavelight Plus InnovEyes, SMILE Pro, Contoura Vision, Femto LASIK, ICL, PRK, and RLE.
And a key observation? Irrespective of whether you have perfect vision, myopia, or astigmatism, regular eye assessments can go a long way in maintaining healthy vision.
