Astigmatism Vs. Myopia: What’s the Difference?

Various eye problems can impact your vision, commonly referred to as refractive errors. Refractive errors typically result from irregularities in the eye structures such as cornea, lens, or overall shape. Distinguishing between the various refractive errors can be challenging, mainly because they frequently coexist. Astigmatism and myopia are two of the most prevalent disorders affecting the eyes. These two refractive errors are identical in some ways and dissimilar in others.

Basic Idea: Astigmatism Vs. Myopia Vision

Our eyes are distinctive and unique, with different forms and sizes, just like snowflakes or fingerprints. However, most eyes share a lot due to traits crucial for healthy eyes and functioning vision. But occasionally, some of these variations can alter how our eyes function.

Examples of particular eye ailments that affect vision are astigmatism and myopia. An optometrist can assist you in managing or improving your eyesight when eye issues are identified early during an eye exam.

There are several ways to address vision problems, including laser surgery, implants, and eyeglasses. Recognizing how your eyes affect your visual acuity is the first step in determining everything you need for healthy vision.

Astigmatism

The curvature of the cornea or lens can be affected by astigmatism, a frequent condition. Astigmatism can change how symmetrical your cornea or lens is. If you have astigmatism, your cornea will look more like a rugby ball than looking like a sphere.

Based on whether the problem affects your cornea or lens, there are two types of astigmatism: corneal and lenticular. Additionally, there are two types of astigmatism: regular and irregular. The difference between regular and irregular astigmatism is that regular astigmatism develops when the corneal steepens more in one direction, whereas in irregular astigmatism, the cornea steepens in several directions. There is also one more classification of astigmatism: nearsighted vs farsighted astigmatism. 

Myopia

Myopia, often known as nearsightedness, is brought on by either an excessively long eyeball or an overly curved cornea, more portraying a football than a basketball. 

Myopic individuals have hazy distance vision. Their vision in close range is unaffected. Only distance-based tasks like driving may require corrective lenses for some individuals with low myopia.

Contrasting Views

In contrast to myopia, which often develops in school-age children, astigmatism typically occurs from birth. Myopia will usually worsen until it settles down in early adulthood. 

Since astigmatism and myopia frequently coexist, it is possible that you also have short-sightedness if you have astigmatism. Long-sightedness, or hypermetropia, is another association. Both refractive defects impact how light focusses on your retina, the structure in the eye that senses visual stimuli.

Myopia and astigmatism are both refractive errors; therefore, they share many characteristics. Nevertheless, even though both can impair distance vision, the symptoms are different vision issues. Here’s a study of the contrasts of astigmatism vs nearsightedness or farsightedness:

• Structure

Astigmatism results when the lens or front surface of your eye is asymmetrical or cylindrical, such that the image of an object cannot be brought to a point focus on the retina. Myopia or far sightedness develops when the cornea is too steep, or the entire eyeball is excessively elongated, such that the image is focused in front of the retina. Hypermetropia or far sightedness develops when the cornea is too flat or the eyeball is too short, such that the image is focused behind the retina.

• Vision issues

Astigmatism can also result in near fuzzy vision, while myopia and hypermetropia can distort vision at a range. Degenerative myopia can lead to other ocular disorders, such as central vision-impairing retinal issues.

• Rarity

The most common refractive error is astigmatism. However, astigmatism frequently manifests in a mild form that may not cause symptoms.

Myopia is usually mild, but it can also be potentially blinding (degenerative myopia), and it is becoming increasingly common. Myopia now causes vision changes that start earlier in childhood and last longer into maturity.

• Intensity

Considering how severe or mild the problem is, astigmatism and myopia can affect different people. High myopia can pose more serious dangers to the eye and visual health.

Can Myopia Or Astigmatism Be Addressed?

Usually, corrective lenses can be used to fix both refractive problems, which are identified during a standard eye checkup. However, the only way to treat irregular astigmatism is by using contact lenses.

It is possible to slow the growth of myopia through orthokeratology-based special glasses that boost the roundness of the eye while you sleep. This suggests that you might not need to wear prescription glasses all day.

Why Choose Centre For Sight?

It’s evident that each health problem, regardless of the type we’re talking about, ought to be addressed as quickly to prevent irreparable damage. The same would apply to even the most minor eye issues you may have, so seek treatment as soon as possible by contacting a respected eye clinic like Centre For Sight. 

Our knowledgeable ophthalmologists at Centre For Sight can provide a positive experience. We go out of our way to ensure you get the best service and at your ease.

Article: Astigmatism Vs. Myopia: What’s the Difference?
Author: CFS Editorial Team   |   Aug 11 2022 | UPDATED 01:37 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.