Can astigmatism be severe?

　　Astigmatism is a common vision problem affecting many people. In particular, children who frequently read on their smartphones while lying in bed are more prone to developing astigmatism. At this stage, symptoms such as decreased visual acuity and visual fatigue may occur. However, in most cases, the condition is not severe. Patients often hope that astigmatism will resolve spontaneously. So, can astigmatism become serious?

　　Can astigmatism become serious?

　　Astigmatism is a type of refractive error, and its severity depends on the degree of astigmatism. If the degree is relatively low—for example, less than 100 diopters—it typically does not impair visual acuity or cause eye strain. Therefore, it is generally not considered serious and usually requires neither treatment nor corrective eyewear. However, if the degree of astigmatism is relatively high and leads to reduced vision, both distance and near vision may be affected. Consequently, objects appear blurry whether viewed at a distance or up close, and symptoms of eye strain—such as eye pain, photophobia, excessive tearing, dizziness, headache, and difficulty sustaining reading for extended periods—may develop.

　　Astigmatism typically does not progressively worsen over time. However, in one scenario—particularly among children—the eye axis is initially short due to the immaturity of the eyeball. As the eye matures, the axial length normalizes. Regarding astigmatism progression, two trends may occur: either the degree increases or it gradually resolves. Astigmatism stems from irregularities in corneal curvature—that is, variations in the cornea’s arc. It can be classified into regular and irregular astigmatism; regular astigmatism can be effectively corrected with prescription lenses to restore vision to normal levels.

　　If a patient has only mild astigmatism, it is advisable to maintain appropriate screen time, practice proper eye hygiene, and avoid behaviors that could exacerbate the condition—thereby helping prevent the need for corrective lenses. We hope this information proves helpful to you.