What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape. In a normal eye, these structures have a smooth and evenly curved surface, like a basketball. However, in eyes with astigmatism, the cornea or lens is curved more in one direction than the other, similar to a football.
This irregular shape can cause light entering the eye to be unevenly focused on the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As a result, individuals with astigmatism may experience blurred or distorted vision, and they may have difficulty seeing fine details or reading clearly.
Astigmatism can occur on its own or in conjunction with other refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). It is usually corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses that have special cylindrical lenses to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens. In some cases, refractive surgery, such as LASIK, may be considered as a more permanent solution for correcting astigmatism. Regular eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist are important for diagnosing and managing astigmatism.
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