META: Noticing your cylindrical power (astigmatism) increasing each year? This might signal an underlying issue like Keratoconus. Learn why a corneal topography test is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Is the cylindrical power in your glasses prescription increasing with every eye exam? While small changes can be normal, a consistent rise in astigmatism is a sign that you shouldn’t ignore. It could point to an underlying issue with the shape of your cornea.
Why Your Cylindrical Power Might Be Increasing
Astigmatism, or cylindrical power, occurs when your eye’s cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, causing blurry vision. For most adults, this prescription remains relatively stable. However, if you find the number climbing year after year, it often means the cornea itself is changing shape.
This progressive change is the primary symptom of conditions like Keratoconus, where the cornea thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone shape. Relying only on a standard eye test that just measures your power is insufficient, as it only treats the symptom (blurry vision) without addressing the root cause of the corneal change.
The Role of Corneal Topography
This is where a Corneal Topography test becomes essential. It’s a non-invasive, painless imaging test that creates a detailed 3D map of your cornea’s entire surface. This map allows your ophthalmologist to see the exact shape, curvature, and thickness across the cornea. It can detect early signs of Keratoconus or other irregularities long before they cause severe vision problems. An early and accurate diagnosis is key to managing the condition and preserving your vision.
