What are astigmatism glasses?

Winning streaks, texting streaks, hair streaks...these streaks are awesome. But when streaks block your vision, they can be super annoying. A quick dab with a cloth or wipe usually solves the problem, but sometimes, cleaning your glasses won't make your vision better. That's because some streaks come from your eyes, not gunk or grime — and astigmatism might be the culprit. Keep scrolling to learn more about astigmatism and whether astigmatism glasses can help you score streak-free vision. 

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision problem where light bends and twists, at least from your brain's POV. With astigmatism, the front of your eye curves more than it should (you overachiever, you!). Unfortunately, going above and beyond with your eye's curve can cause the streaks we mentioned earlier and some other issues. 

Definition and causes of astigmatism

Astigmatism is an eye condition where an irregularly shaped cornea distorts your vision. Your cornea, which is the clear layer on the front of your eye, should be round. If your cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball, light refraction gets tricky. That's because light bends the wrong way instead of evenly, resulting in wonky vision. 

Some people are born with astigmatism, but this condition can also pop up after an eye injury, surgery, or disease. Sometimes, astigmatism is a solo act, but it often accompanies other vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. The more, the merrier, eh?

Symptoms and effects of astigmatism on vision 

Astigmatism is notorious for making traffic lights and headlights look weird, which is why many people request astigmatism glasses for night driving. If you have astigmatism, you may notice streaks, blurred vision, and halos or fireworks around lights. Your eyes may also ache or feel tight, and you may experience headaches after visually demanding activities. 

Diagnosing and understanding astigmatism levels

An eye care professional can diagnose astigmatism. During the exam, your provider may check the shape of each cornea (remember, you want a basketball, not a football). Your eye care professional may also check your visual acuity, which is a fancy term for whether you can read the numbers and letters on the vision chart clearly.

Astigmatism glasses: correcting vision 

How do astigmatism glasses work?

Like an annoying ex, astigmatism generally won't disappear on its own. That's the bad news. The good news is that you can usually treat this condition with astigmatism glasses or contact lenses. Some people also find that surgery is the right choice for their astigmatism treatment plan. 

Types of lenses for astigmatism correction

You may need a single-vision lens for regular astigmatism correction so you can tackle tasks like reading or driving without blurred vision. However, some patients need bifocals or progressive lenses for astigmatism correction. 

Lens options and customization for astigmatism glasses

Polycarbonate lenses are a popular option for folks with regular astigmatism who want resilient lenses. People with high-level astigmatism may benefit from high-index lenses, which are lighter and thinner than polycarbonate lenses. 

You may also want other features for your prescription glasses, such as:

• UV protection
• Glare reduction
• Oil-repelling coating
• Anti-static coating

When do you need astigmatism glasses?

An eye care professional can help determine if you need eyeglasses for astigmatism. Generally, you may need prescription glasses if astigmatism symptoms prevent you from enjoying life fully or safely driving your vehicle. 

Determining the level of astigmatism

Eye care professionals measure astigmatism levels using diopters. If your eye exam says you have zero diopters, then you don't have astigmatism. You have mild astigmatism if you have less than one diopter. Severe astigmatism means you have more than three diopters in your lenses. 

You can figure out how many diopters you need by looking at the cylinder number on your prescription. This is listed as "CYL."

Choosing the right astigmatism glasses

Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to astigmatism glasses. Consider frame styles, lenses, and your lifestyle when you search for eyeglasses. 

Importance of proper prescription

The right eyeglasses can help make your astigmatism symptoms manageable, which is definitely a win. The wrong prescription can cause dizziness, nausea, or headaches. It can also make your vision worse by causing eye strain. 

Frame styles and considerations

You can wear nearly any type of frame with astigmatism, but watch out for wraparound glasses. These may distort your already blurred vision. For that reason, flat-front frames are ideal for many people with astigmatism.

Keep your face shape and features in mind when choosing prescription glasses for astigmatism. Large frames may overwhelm a petite face, while tiny specs may not be ideal for someone with strong features. Colored frames can help accent your eye color.  

Don't ignore astigmatism symptoms

Astigmatism can cause blurry vision, halos, or streaks. Fortunately, an eye care professional can diagnose and treat astigmatism. A prescription for astigmatism glasses can help you see clearly, and there are many frames and lens coatings available to meet your unique needs. 

FAQs about astigmatism glasses

Can glasses fully correct astigmatism?

Glasses can help correct astigmatism, but don't expect instant results. Give yourself time to adjust to your new lenses, and make sure you wear them regularly.

Will wearing glasses for astigmatism improve my vision?

Astigmatism glasses can help improve your vision when worn as directed by an eye care professional. You may notice that objects appear sharper when you wear glasses for astigmatism.

How often should I get my astigmatism prescription checked?

An eye care professional can let you know how often you should get your astigmatism prescription checked, but generally, you can expect an exam every year or two. Consider requesting an astigmatism exam sooner if your symptoms are getting worse or you notice other vision issues. 

Are there any alternatives to glasses for correcting astigmatism?

If glasses aren't your thing, consider contact lenses or laser eye surgery. An eye care professional can help you decide which treatment option is best.

Can contact lenses be used instead of astigmatism glasses?

Many people find that contact lenses help reduce or eliminate the symptoms of astigmatism. If you get contacts, you may also want a pair of astigmatism glasses as a backup.