What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism results from an irregularly shaped cornea with more than one curvature (football-shaped). Light rays scatter within the eye, do not focus on a single point, and blurred vision results. Astigmatism can occur by itself or with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Laser vision correction can be used to reduce or eliminate astigmatism.
Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea or the lens is irregularly curved. Instead of having a uniform curvature, some areas may be flatter or steeper than others. This distortion results in multiple focal points, which produce blurred vision at all distances. Astigmatism is generally present from birth, and the condition remains relatively constant over time. Like farsightedness and nearsightedness, astigmatism is treatable with laser vision correction. Limbal relaxing incisions have also proved effective in correcting this common refractive error.
Read more: http://www.optometrist.com.au/astigmatism.htm Although the name sounds awful, astigmatism is a simple condition whereby the cornea (the clear front of the eye) is oval in shape, rather than round (i.e., like a football rather than a soccer ball). This causes objects at any distance to appear unclear, as light will not focus to a point onto the retina. People with myopia or hyperopia can also have astigmatism.
