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Astigmatism

Astigmatism is one of the refractive errors which also include near- and farsightedness. About 120 million people in the United States wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct these vision disorders which affect the cornea and are the most common of all vision problems in this country.

Refractive errors occur when the curve of the cornea is irregularly shaped (too steep or too flat). When the curve of the cornea is irregularly shaped, the cornea bends light imperfectly on the retina. This affects good vision. If the image is not focused properly, the retina receives a blurry image.

Astigmatism is a condition in which the uneven curvature of the cornea blurs and distorts both distant and near objects. A normal cornea is round, with even curves from side to side and top to bottom. With astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like the back of a spoon, curved more in one direction than in another. This causes light rays to have more than one focal point and focus on two separate areas of the retina, distorting the visual image. Two-thirds of Americans with myopia also have astigmatism.

Refractive errors are usually corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or special implant procedures. Although these are safe and effective methods for treating refractive errors, refractive surgeries are becoming an increasingly popular option.

Source: The National Eye Institute (NEI)