How does Astigmatism Affect Vision?
For normal, undistorted vision, the cornea should be smooth and equally curved in all directions. When astigmatism is present, the cornea is warped and curved more in one direction than the other. In other words, the cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball. Normally light enters the eye and is focused precisely on the retina. With astigmatism, the warped cornea causes the light rays to bend improperly. They are not refracted equally in all directions and one focus point on the retina is not attained. Some light rays are not focused on the retina but are focused in front of or behind the retina. The result of multiple focal points is distorted vision. Objects appear somewhat indistinct and slanted. Vision with astigmatism can be compared to what one sees when looking at a mirror in a fun house or when looking through a glass bottle, with images appearing too tall, too thin, too wide, or blurred.
