Astigmatism is one of the most common reasons kids need glasses. Whether it goes away depends mostly on your child’s age. In babies and toddlers it often lessens on its own as the eyes grow. In school-age children it usually stays, and glasses or contacts correct it well.
At Navigation Eye Care, we explain this to parents in plain terms. Here is what astigmatism is, how it changes, and what to do about it.
What astigmatism means
Astigmatism happens when the front of the eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball. That uneven curve bends light in more than one direction, so things look blurry or stretched up close and far away. It often shows up alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness.
We sometimes explain it to kids like this: it is a bit like looking into a funhouse mirror, where everything looks stretched or fuzzy.
Does astigmatism go away in kids?
Sometimes, depending on age.
- Babies and toddlers: Astigmatism is common in infants, and it often decreases over the first few years as the eyes develop. Mild astigmatism at this age is often watched rather than treated right away.
- Preschoolers: Most of that early change is finished by around age 5. Astigmatism that is still there at this age is more likely to last.
- School-age kids and teens: Astigmatism at this age usually does not change much. Children do not grow out of it, but glasses or contacts let them see clearly.
Only an eye exam can tell how much astigmatism your child has and whether it needs correcting now.
Can astigmatism be cured?
Glasses and contact lenses do not change the shape of the eye, so they do not cure astigmatism. They correct it, meaning your child sees clearly while wearing them. With the right prescription, most kids see as well as anyone else.
How eye doctors test toddlers for astigmatism
Your child does not need to read letters or answer questions. The eye doctor can measure how light focuses in the eye by shining a light and watching how it reflects. That is why even very young children can get an accurate answer from a pediatric eye exam.
How astigmatism affects learning
Uncorrected astigmatism can make schoolwork harder. Kids may struggle to read small print, copy from the board or stay focused on homework. Some avoid reading, and it can look like a learning problem when it is really a vision problem.
Teachers might notice squinting, messy handwriting or complaints about headaches. If you have noticed your child squinting while reading or watching TV, astigmatism is one possible cause.
Treatment options
- Glasses are the most common treatment. The lenses are made to balance out the uneven focus.
- Contact lenses can work for older kids and teens who are ready to take care of them.
- Vision therapy does not correct astigmatism itself. It can help when a child also has trouble with how the eyes work together or focus.
If your child is new to glasses, these tips for helping kids get comfortable in glasses can make the first few weeks easier.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child grow out of astigmatism? Babies and toddlers often have astigmatism that decreases as their eyes develop, usually by around age 5. Astigmatism that remains in older children usually does not go away, but glasses or contacts correct it.
How do I know if my child has astigmatism? Watch for squinting, tilting the head, sitting close to the TV, headaches or avoiding reading. Young children rarely say their vision is blurry, so an eye exam is the reliable way to know.
Is astigmatism serious? For most kids it is a common, correctable vision problem. Your eye doctor will tell you if your child’s astigmatism needs treatment now or can be watched.
Take the next step
If you have noticed signs of astigmatism, or your child has not had a full eye exam, call Navigation Eye Care at (757) 529-6889 or book a pediatric eye exam online.
Related reading: When kids squint, it can mean more than bright light · Helping kids feel comfortable in glasses · A guide to detecting visual problems in infants