Can astigmatism cause blindness?
Jun 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
Astigmatism typically does not cause blindness. It is a type of refractive error related to the overall refractive system and the corneal surface, but astigmatism tends to remain relatively stable. Neither isolated astigmatism nor astigmatism accompanying common myopia or hyperopia leads to blindness—unless associated with corneal disease or another condition that subsequently causes vision loss.
Today, with the widespread use of electronic devices, an increasing number of people are becoming myopic due to excessive screen time. Many individuals with myopia lack healthy eye habits and frequently overuse their eyes, which may lead to astigmatism. So, can astigmatism cause blindness?
Can Astigmatism Cause Blindness?
Astigmatism generally does not cause blindness. It is a type of refractive error related to the overall refractive system and the curvature of the corneal surface; however, astigmatism tends to remain relatively stable. Astigmatism—whether occurring alone or alongside common myopia or hyperopia—does not, by itself, lead to blindness. Blindness may occur only in cases involving corneal disease or other pathological conditions that develop later in life. Congenital astigmatism in infants and young children represents a different scenario: significant astigmatism during early development may profoundly affect the growth and maturation of various ocular structures. Whether adverse outcomes arise later depends on the child’s specific developmental progress.
Astigmatism can be corrected through optical means (e.g., cylindrical lenses) or surgical intervention. Regular (or “with-the-rule”) astigmatism can be effectively managed using cylindrical lenses. Typically, convex lenses are prescribed for hyperopic astigmatism, while concave lenses are used for myopic astigmatism. Prior to fitting cylindrical lenses, a comprehensive retinal examination and refraction assessment are essential.
In daily life, maintain a balanced diet—avoid spicy or highly stimulating foods, refrain from binge eating, and ensure adequate sleep to prevent late-night熬夜. We hope this information proves helpful.
