Astigmatism is a significant threat to children's visual development and is often closely linked to the progression of ocular surface diseases. Non-congenital conditions, such as blepharitis-associated keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, dry eye, infectious keratitis, and ocular trauma, can induce irregularities on the corneal surface and changes in corneal curvature. This occurs through mechanisms like the ocular surface microenvironment imbalance mediated by chronic inflammation, corneal scarring, tear film instability, and abnormal corneal biomechanical remodeling. Congenital disorders, including keratoconus, entropion, and ocular surface tumors, can also lead to astigmatism. These conditions do so by causing genetic or developmental abnormalities that alter the eyelid structure, disrupt corneal symmetry, or exert mechanical pressure. Notably, there can be synergistic effects between progressive corneal thinning seen in hereditary keratoconus and the inflammatory microenvironment changes associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Therapeutic interventions, such as topical corticosteroids, cyclosporine eye drops, and surgical procedures, can improve both the primary conditions and the astigmatism. However, treatment strategies vary depending on the different etiologies. Current research has established associations between pediatric ocular surface diseases and astigmatism. Nevertheless, the specific developmental mechanisms, including the maturation of the immune system, differences in corneal plasticity, and the interactive effects of multiple factors, remain incompletely understood.
