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3 Mount Elizabeth, #13-10 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

Vision conditions

Astigmatism

Astigmatism causes vision to appear blurred or distorted at any distance. It happens when the cornea or lens has an irregular curve, affecting how light focuses inside the eye. A professional eye assessment can determine the best correction for clear, comfortable vision.
Diagram illustrating astigmatism, comparing a "Normal" eye, where light converges to a single focal point on the retina, with an "Astigmatism" eye, where light scatters into multiple focal points.

What happens when you have Astigmatism

Understanding age-related changes

In Astigmatism, the cornea or lens is shaped more like a rugby ball than a perfect sphere. This uneven curvature bends light unevenly, making both near and distant vision less sharp. It can occur alone or alongside short‑sightedness (myopia) or long‑sightedness (hyperopia).

Adults — About 3 in 10

Studies show roughly 30% of adults in Singapore have some degree of astigmatism.

Children — Up to 20%

Around 1 in 5 children may also develop astigmatism, often discovered during routine school vision screenings.

Night driving on a wet city street, viewed through a rain-streaked windshield. Intense starburst glare from yellow streetlights and headlights reflects off the asphalt.

Signs & Symptoms

When to consider an eye evaluation

Recognising visual distortion

    Woman sitting at a desk, pinching the bridge of her nose to relieve stress or eye strain.
    If you're experiencing any of the following, it could be time to consult an eye care professional for a thorough evaluation:
    • Blurred or shadowed vision at all distances
    • Difficulty seeing clearly at night
    • Often dazzled by bright lighting
    • Words appearing uneven or double after reading
    Does this sound like you? Book an assessment today.

Ways to improve vision with Astigmatism

Personalised correction choices

Treatment depends on the amount and type of astigmatism. After detailed eye measurements, your ophthalmologist may recommend:

Prescription Glasses with Cylindrical Lenses

These glasses help correct the irregular curvature of your cornea, providing sharper and more focused vision at all distances.

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Toric Contact Lenses for Stable Vision

Specially designed to correct astigmatism, toric lenses ensure clear, stable vision by adjusting to the shape of your eye.

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Laser Vision Correction

Procedures like OneLaser™ TransPRK can reshape the cornea to reduce astigmatism.

View OneLaser™ TransPRK

Lens Implant Options for Those with Higher Degrees

For more severe cases, lens implants can replace the natural lens, correcting both astigmatism and other refractive errors.

View ICL

Clarifying Your Concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that vision correction is a significant decision. Here are honest, transparent answers to the questions we hear most often from our patients.

Astigmatism is a common refractive error where the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision. It can affect both near and distant vision.

Symptoms include blurred or distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing clearly at night.

An eye examination, including a refraction test, is used to measure the degree of astigmatism and how it affects your vision.

Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (such as TransPRK, SmilePro or LASIK), depending on the severity and your individual suitability.

If you’re experiencing blurred or distorted vision, frequent headaches, or difficulty seeing clearly, it’s recommended to arrange an eye examination for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

OneLaser™ TransPRK uses a precise, bladeless laser to reshape the cornea, correcting irregular curves that cause astigmatism. The treatment is tailored to your eye and suitable for those with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas. An assessment determines if OneLaser™ is right for you.