Myopia and Astigmatism: Understanding the Key Differences

1/ Differentiating Myopia and Astigmatism Based on Optical Mechanism

2/ Common Clinical Symptoms

Astigmatism at night – light scattering into halos and streaks, significantly reducing night vision

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Myopia:

• Blurred vision when looking far away
• Difficulty driving at night
• Can read up close clearly without glasses

Astigmatism:

• Blurred or distorted text when reading
• Light sensitivity and glare around light sources
• Eye strain or headaches after reading or screen time

3/ Who’s at Risk?

• Children & students: more prone to myopia due to genetics and near-vision activities
• Adults: astigmatism may develop with age or after eye trauma/surgery
• People with thin corneas: require thorough screening before surgery

4/ Globally Recommended Treatment Options

Child wearing glasses – a common early sign of refractive errors like myopia or astigmatism, requiring regular eye exams.

1. Corrective Lenses:

• Eyeglasses: easy to use, but limited for sports or active lifestyles
• Contact lenses: better aesthetics and field of view, but may cause dry eyes or infections if not properly cared for

2. Refractive Surgery:

5/ Why It’s Critical Not to Confuse Myopia and Astigmatism

• Misdiagnosis leads to incorrect lenses or axis alignment, worsening vision
• Wrong surgery choice may cause night glare or unresolved symptoms
• Always consult an eye specialist with comprehensive diagnostics

6/ Expert Advice from TD Eye

• Avoid buying off-the-shelf glasses or using outdated prescriptions
• Undergo detailed refraction and corneal analysis before surgery
• Phakic ICL or EVO TICL are ideal for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, or high myopia/astigmatism
• FDA-approved, non-corneal-disruptive, and significantly improves night vision