Astigmatism: what it is, how it looks and how it is corrected
Is your vision blurry up close and far away, do your eyes get tired or do you get headaches at the end of the day? It could be astigmatism. We measure it in your eye test and correct it with glasses or contact lenses.
Approximate simulation: everyone notices it differently. Only an eye test can confirm whether you have astigmatism and how much.
What is astigmatism?
An irregular curvature that blurs your vision
Astigmatism is a refractive error: the cornea or the lens has an irregular curvature, more oval than round. Because of this, light does not focus on a single point of the retina but on several, and your vision is blurry or distorted at any distance.
It is very commonMany people are born with it and others develop it in childhood or as young adults.
It affects near and far visionUnlike short-sightedness or long-sightedness, it blurs at all distances.
It often comes with other conditionsIt is common to have astigmatism together with short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
By where it is
Corneal, if the irregularity is in the cornea, or lenticular, if it is in the lens.
By what it is like
Regular, the most common, or irregular, for example in keratoconus or after an injury.
These are the most common signs. If your astigmatism is mild, you may not notice anything.
Blurry or distorted vision
Up close and far away. Letters or straight lines look stretched or crooked.
Headaches
Especially after reading, driving or spending a long time in front of a screen.
Tired eyes
Eye strain and discomfort in your eyes at the end of the day.
Squinting
You do it without realising to try to see more sharply.
Worse vision at night
It is harder to see in low light, for example when driving at night.
Watch out with children. They often do not realise their vision is blurry. Left uncorrected, astigmatism can affect their performance at school and make a lazy eye more likely, so it is a good idea to have their eyes checked from an early age.
These symptoms can have other causes. The only way to know if you have astigmatism is an eye test. If we see something that cannot be explained by your prescription, we will recommend that you see an ophthalmologist.
Free online vision test
Want to check now?
Our test includes the fan chart for astigmatism, plus distance letters with each eye, contrast and near reading. About 5-7 minutes on your phone or computer.
It is only a guide: it does not replace an eye test.
Most often you have it from birth. It cannot be prevented, but it can be detected and corrected.
HeredityThe risk of having astigmatism passes from parents to children.
Eye injuriesA knock or a wound can change the shape of the cornea.
Eye surgeryIt can appear after some eye operations.
Diseases of the corneaSuch as keratoconus. If your astigmatism increases, it needs to be monitored.
Myth: reading in poor light or watching TV too close does not cause astigmatism or make it worse.
Diagnosing astigmatism at LUPER
We measure it in your eye test, free of charge
30 minutes, worth €49, free at our 3 opticians in Murcia and San Pedro del Pinatar. Unhurried, with a specialist dedicated to you.
Visual acuityWe check how well you see up close and far away.
RefractionWith the autorefractor and the phoropter we find your exact prescription, including your astigmatism.
Curvature of the corneaWith the keratometer and, if needed, corneal topography, we check whether your cornea has any irregularities.
Your solutionWe explain the result and advise you on glasses, contact lenses or both.
Diagnosing eye diseases is the job of the ophthalmologist. If during the test we see something that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, we will tell you so that you can see one.
Both correct astigmatism and give you back sharp vision. Together we choose what best suits your prescription and your daily life.
From €49
Glasses for astigmatism
The lenses have a cylindrical prescription that compensates for the irregular curvature of the eye. It is the simplest and most common way to correct it.
Prescription glasses from €49, frame and single vision lenses.
2nd pair 50% off all year round: as a spare pair, as prescription sunglasses or for the computer.
Over 12,000 models so you can choose the frame you like.
What about surgery? Laser refractive surgery changes the shape of the cornea and can correct astigmatism. Whether it is an option for you is decided by the ophthalmologist after assessing you. Glasses and contact lenses correct astigmatism while you wear them, but they do not cure it.
1 hour of free parkingCome by car without the hassle · with purchases over €49
Arrive 10 minutes early for your appointment. Better with an appointment: our diary is very full and without an appointment we cannot guarantee we will be able to see you. If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them for the 24 hours before.
Frequently asked questions about astigmatism
What is astigmatism?
It is a refractive error in which the cornea or the lens has an irregular curvature. Light focuses on several points of the retina instead of just one, which is why vision is blurry or distorted both up close and far away.
How does a person with astigmatism see?
They see images blurry or distorted at any distance. Straight lines can look slanted or curved, objects slightly stretched, and it can be harder to see well at night. It is like looking through wavy glass.
How do I know if I have astigmatism?
If your vision is blurry up close and far away, you squint, you get headaches or your eyes get tired, it could be astigmatism. The only way to know is with an eye test: at LUPER it takes 30 minutes and it is free.
Can astigmatism be cured?
Glasses and contact lenses correct it while you wear them, but they do not cure it. Laser refractive surgery can eliminate or reduce it by changing the shape of the cornea; whether it is an option for you is decided by the ophthalmologist after assessing you.
Can astigmatism be operated on?
Yes, in many cases astigmatism can be operated on with refractive surgery, also when it comes with short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Whether you are a candidate and which technique is suitable is always decided by the ophthalmologist after an individual assessment.
Is astigmatism hereditary?
The risk of having it is inherited, and many people are born with astigmatism. It cannot be prevented, which is why it is important to have your eyes checked regularly, especially children's.
Does astigmatism increase with age?
It can change over time, and then your glasses or contact lenses need updating. If you notice your vision getting worse or not improving with your glasses, have it checked; if your astigmatism increases, problems of the cornea such as keratoconus need to be ruled out.
From how many dioptres of astigmatism do you need to wear glasses?
There is no single figure for everyone. Mild astigmatism may not need correcting if it does not bother you. It depends on your prescription, your symptoms and what you do every day; we explain it to you in the eye test.
Can you have short-sightedness and astigmatism at the same time?
Yes, it is very common. When astigmatism comes with short-sightedness it is called myopic astigmatism, and when it comes with long-sightedness, hyperopic astigmatism. The same glasses or contact lenses correct both.
Are there contact lenses for astigmatism?
Yes, toric contact lenses. At LUPER we have, for example, MyDay Toric by CooperVision, daily lenses, at €45 for a box of 30. For high or irregular astigmatism we consider rigid (RGP) contact lenses or scleral lenses. You can try them for free at the optician's.
How much do glasses for astigmatism cost?
At LUPER, prescription glasses cost from €49, with frame and single vision lenses, and you get the 2nd pair 50% off all year round. The final price depends on your prescription and the lens you choose; we tell you in your free eye test.
All about astigmatism: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment
What is astigmatism and how does it affect vision?
Astigmatism is an irregularity in the curvature of the cornea or the lens that makes light focus on several points of the retina instead of just one. The result is blurry or distorted vision at all distances. It is a very common condition that can appear on its own or together with other vision problems, such as short-sightedness or long-sightedness. What does astigmatism mean, put simply? That your eye is not round but slightly oval, and does not focus the same in every direction.
Causes of astigmatism: why does it happen?
Astigmatism is usually present from birth and the risk is inherited. It can also appear after an eye injury, after eye surgery or because of diseases of the cornea such as keratoconus. Its exact cause is unknown and it cannot be prevented.
Types of astigmatism
By its origin, astigmatism can be corneal (the irregularity is in the cornea) or lenticular (it is in the lens). By its shape, it can be regular or irregular. And by what comes with it, we talk about myopic astigmatism or hyperopic astigmatism.
Symptoms of astigmatism
The most common symptoms are blurry vision up close and far away, tired eyes or eye strain after reading or working with screens, frequent headaches, squinting to see better and worse vision at night. Children may not realise their vision is blurry, which is why regular check-ups are so important.
How does a person with astigmatism see?
A person with astigmatism sees images blurry or distorted. Straight lines can look slanted or curved, and both near and distant objects look out of focus. Imagine seeing the world through wavy glass. Left uncorrected, it can cause discomfort such as headaches.
Diagnosing astigmatism at LUPER
In our personalised eye test we use the visual acuity test, the autorefractor, the phoropter and the keratometer, and corneal topography if needed, to measure your astigmatism. If you think you may have astigmatism, book your appointment online at our opticians in Murcia or San Pedro del Pinatar. Diagnosing eye diseases is the job of the ophthalmologist.
Treatments for astigmatism
Glasses for astigmatism are the most common and accessible option: they have lenses with a cylindrical prescription that compensates for the irregular curvature. Contact lenses for astigmatism, known as toric lenses, are designed specifically for it; there are soft and rigid (RGP) contact lenses, and rigid ones can work better for high or irregular astigmatism. Refractive surgery is another option, which must be assessed by the ophthalmologist.
Is astigmatism hereditary? What is the outlook?
The risk of having astigmatism passes from parents to children. With the right correction, with glasses or contact lenses, people with astigmatism can see clearly and sharply. Astigmatism can change over time, so it is a good idea to have your prescription checked regularly.
Look after your astigmatism with LUPER
At Ópticas LUPER we are committed to our patients' eye health. If you have symptoms of astigmatism or have already been diagnosed with it, we offer you prescription glasses from €49, contact lenses for astigmatism and a free personalised eye test. Over 12,000 models of glasses, a 4.9 on Google with over 2,200 reviews and the friendly service of your local optician's, in Murcia and San Pedro del Pinatar. Lovely to see you!
Lovely to see you
Book your free eye test and clear up any doubts about your astigmatism. Prescription glasses from €49 and 1 hour of free parking with purchases over €49.
Vine en Abril a traer mis monturas a ponerle lentes, pedir presupuesto para mis monturas y el precio me ha gustado. Ademas de un trato excelente, buenos precios, grandes profesionales, magníficas promociones, únete a la familia Luper. Hoy ha comenzado mi primer día de muchos junto a esta magnífica empresa murcianica. Mil gracias!! En poco tendré mis preciosas gafas y el mes que viene otras al 50%. Puedes pagar unas y luego las otras. Fácil, sencillo, profesional e impecable. Te Dan tu informe oftalmológico detallado. Y me rellenan el tarrito limpiacristales para siempre gratis con mi compra. A que esperas?? Se lo he recomendado ya a todas mis amistades, porque lo bueno se comparte. Mil gracias!!
15/05 He llevado 4 monturas aprovechando el 50% para graduar mis gafas, una de ellas de sol. Y quedaron preciosas. Mil gracias siempre 💕
Trato humano muy bueno. La calidad de las gafas nefasta, propaganda engañosa en mi caso. Valoraré poner hoja de reclamaciones en consumo ya que la solución que me han dado a mi problema, cristales que se empañan nada más usarlos y montura defectuosa, es comprarme otras y pagar el 50% después de haber pagado por unas gafas, repito, defectuosas, más de 1000 euros.
No volveré, ni hablaré bien de ustedes.
Muy muy contenta. Me he elegido unas gafas preciosas y además he tenido 20 € de descuento. La chica que me atendió fue súper amable y simpática. ¡Sin duda, muy recomendable!
Me compré dos gafas en mayo, me dijeron que tardaban 3 días y tardaron 3 semanas en dármelas. Cuando me las probé me mareé en la óptica. Me fui a casa y me las puse y tuve un mareo que me duro varias horas, no podía hacer nada ni cuidar de mi hijo. Fui a la óptica y me dijeron que no entendían que pasaba que era super raro. Me hicieron un cambio y me dieron otras gafas. Otra vez esperando una semana. Más de un mes sin gafas. Pues con las gafas nuevas también me mareaba pero menos. Fui y me decían que no entendían que pasaba que era muy raro. Al final me he ido a otra óptica y es que estaban mal graduadas y el centro óptico mal puesto. Me he gastado 180€ en perder el tiempo y dar vueltas y no tener gafas que me valgan.
Una experiencia magnífica desde el primer momento. El trato es cercano, amable y muy profesional, y se nota que realmente se preocupan por encontrar la mejor opción para cada cliente. El estudio visual fue muy completo y la variedad de monturas es increíble, con opciones para todos los gustos y precios muy buenos. Sin duda, un lugar de confianza al que volveré y que recomiendo totalmente.
Quiero dejar esta reseña para destacar el trato de Ópticas Luper, pero sobre todo para agradecer de corazón a María. Hacía tiempo que no me encontraba con una atención al cliente tan brillante, atenta y cercana.
Fui a comprar unas gafas de sol y María marcó por completo la diferencia. Tiene un ojo clínico y un gusto impecable para asesorar: supo al instante qué montura y cristales encajaban mejor con mis facciones y estilo. Su paciencia, su simpatía natural y la pasión con la que hace su trabajo convierten la compra en un auténtico placer. Se nota cuando a alguien le apasiona lo que hace y cuida cada detalle con tanto cariño.
Salí encantadísimo con mis gafas nuevas y con la certeza de que no piso otra óptica que no sea esta. ¡Empleadas como María valen oro!
Recomendable al 200%.
Hoy he estado y me ha atendido Jaime. Muy profesional, sincero y honesto. Me he hecho dos gafas, unas progresivas y otras de lejos con clip para sol. Mis dos amigas son clientas y también han estado hace dos días. Me voy muy satisfecha y deseando recoger mis nuevas gafas
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Una atención excepcional, de las que ya no se encuentran fácilmente
Quiero destacar especialmente la experiencia que he tenido en Audiologia Lúper, en Murcia. Desde el primer momento, el trato ha sido absolutamente excepcional: cercano, amable, paciente y, sobre todo, muy profesional.
Te hacen sentir cómodo y bien atendido desde que entras por la puerta, algo que para mí tiene muchísimo valor. Se nota que no se limitan simplemente a hacer su trabajo, sino que realmente se preocupan por la persona que tienen delante y por ofrecerle la mejor atención posible.
Me voy con una sensación de total satisfacción y confianza. Da gusto encontrar profesionales que trabajan con tanta dedicación y que además ofrecen un trato tan humano.
Mi valoración no puede ser otra que cinco estrellas, y sinceramente se quedan cortas. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enhorabuena a todo el equipo de Audiometría Lúper por la profesionalidad, la cercanía y el trato recibido. 100 % recomendable.
Llevo varios años acudiendo para hacerme nuevas gafas y estoy encantada. Siempre que puedo cojo cita para la revisión de la vista con Pilar porque es una gran profesional, muy agradable, siempre aconsejando que gafas te quedan mejor y enseñando todos los modelos de la tienda. Sin duda, la recomiendo 100%!
El trato ha sido espectacular,muy amable y comprometida.
En relación al precio,me he quedado sorprendido,por qué las ultimas gafas que compré me costaron una buena pasta y aquí me llevo dos pares de gafas por poco dinero.
Muy buena impresión .
La recomiendo.
Acabo de salir de está magnifica óptica y he decir que habéis ganado un cliente, tanto por la variedad que hay de gafas, como por el examen de graduación que ha sido espectacular y José Ángel me lo ha explicado todo super bien y de forma muy profesional. Un crack . Un 100 de 10 por todo lo alto. ..
100% recomendable
cristina llopHace 11 meses · LUPER San Pedro del Pinatar
He pedido online unas gafas de sol y la atención de Pilar, María y Marián ha sido en todo momento estupendo. El producto perfecto y la presentación genial con una funda monísima + gamuza y líquido para limpiarlas.
El l envío ha sido rapidisimo.
Muchas gracias por el servicio chicas
