Understanding Astigmatism in Pakistan – Causes, Symptoms & Eye Care at Al-Aziz Optical
At Al-Aziz Optical, we’ve been serving patients with diverse vision needs since 1934. Among the most common conditions we encounter is astigmatism—a refractive error that affects both clarity and comfort. Let’s look at Astigmatism in Pakistan, its effects, and how to deal with it. A study found 37% of adults in Pakistan suffer from astigmatism, to read the report click here. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or exploring your lens options, we’re here to break it down for you in clear, simple terms—based on decades of hands-on experience.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye. Instead of being perfectly round, the eye’s surface is shaped more like a football, which leads to distorted or blurred vision at all distances.
How Does Astigmatism Affect Vision?
People with astigmatism may experience:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Trouble seeing at night or while driving
- Frequent squinting
One of our customers described night driving as seeing “multiple streetlights stacked next to each other.” That classic symptom helped us catch a mild astigmatism that had gone undiagnosed for years.
How Can I Tell If I Have Astigmatism?
Some signs include:
- Trouble focusing on fine details
- Squinting often
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Headaches after screen use
Only a proper refraction test can confirm it. Our trained opticians in DHA Lahore and Shah Alam Market perform comprehensive vision tests to check for astigmatism and more
Common Questions About Astigmatism
Can Astigmatism Get Worse?
Yes, it can. Astigmatism may increase over time due to aging, eye injuries, or progressive eye conditions like keratoconus.
Can Astigmatism Cause Blindness?
Not by itself. However, severe or untreated astigmatism can cause significant visual discomfort. At Al-Aziz Optical, we help catch it early through regular eye exams.
Are Astigmatism Glasses or Contacts More Expensive?
Contact Lenses for astigmatism often require custom toric designs, which can make them slightly more expensive. However, the price difference is worth the clarity and comfort they provide. On the other hand due to modern lens evolution, unless a patient has high astigmatism the lens cost for glasses is the same.
What Causes Astigmatism?
It may be hereditary or caused by an injury or surgery. Some people are born with it, while others develop it over time.
Our Experience at Al-Aziz Optical
We regularly see patients who never realized they had astigmatism until they received a professional eye test. One of our clients, a young graphic designer in Lahore, was suffering from headaches and blurry night vision. After a thorough refraction, we prescribed toric lenses with blue light protection. His productivity and comfort improved drastically.
We believe in personalized care. Every prescription at Al-Aziz Optical is tailored for your exact needs—especially for conditions like astigmatism.
Treating Astigmatism
Absolutely. The most common solutions include:
This remains the most popular and affordable solution. Glasses designed for astigmatism use cylindrical lenses that compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens. Our customers often notice a significant improvement in clarity right away.
Toric lenses are specially designed to fit the unique shape of eyes with astigmatism. They offer more precise correction compared to standard lenses. Some users find them slightly thicker or trickier to insert at first, but with proper fitting and a short adjustment period, they provide excellent comfort and stability.
Refractive Surgery
Procedures like LASIK, PRK, or SMILE can permanently correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. While this is a more long-term solution, it comes with eligibility requirements — such as age, corneal thickness, and overall eye health, not to mention the initial cost required.
When to See an Optician
If you’re experiencing persistent headaches, squinting, or trouble focusing, it’s time for an eye exam. Early diagnosis makes management simpler and more effective.
Final Thoughts from Al-Aziz Optical
Living with astigmatism doesn’t mean compromising on your vision. With the right correction and expert guidance, you can enjoy crystal-clear sight again.
If you’ve been struggling with blurry vision or tired eyes, visit us at Al-Aziz Optical for a personalized consultation. We’ll guide you through lens options, fitting, and long-term eye health—all tailored to your unique needs. To learn more about astigmatism, click here.
