Yes, astigmatism can become more severe as one gets older. This is because the crystalline lens of the eye begins to harden with age, making it more difficult for the eye to focus light appropriately. As astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea or crystalline lens, this age-related hardening can cause the degree of astigmatism to become more severe.
The degree of astigmatism can also be affected by certain diseases, such as diabetes, which can also increase with age. Diabetes can cause the lens of the eye to become swollen, which can lead to a greater degree of astigmatism.
Aside from age and medical conditions, certain lifestyle choices can also contribute to a worsening of astigmatism. Smoking, for example, has been linked to an increased risk of developing astigmatism and can make existing astigmatism worse. Prolonged exposure to UV light, such as that found in tanning beds, can also increase the risk of developing astigmatism.
It is important to have regular eye exams to monitor the progression of astigmatism. If left untreated, astigmatism can lead to other vision problems, such as blurry vision, headaches, and eye strain. The earlier astigmatism is detected, the easier it is to treat. Treatment options for astigmatism include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery.