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Definition: What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects the way light enters the eye, causing blurred or distorted vision. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. This results in a refractive error, similar to nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness, which affect the overall shape of the eye, astigmatism specifically refers to the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye, while the lens is located behind the iris and helps to focus light onto the retina.

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There are two main types of astigmatism:

1. Corneal Astigmatism:

Corneal astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, resembling more of a football shape rather than a round shape. This causes light to be focused at multiple points instead of a single point on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.

2. Lenticular Astigmatism:

Lenticular astigmatism occurs when the lens inside the eye is irregularly shaped. This can be caused by factors such as injury, aging, or certain medical conditions. Similar to corneal astigmatism, lenticular astigmatism also causes light to be focused at multiple points, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

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Astigmatism can occur in combination with other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. It can also vary in severity, with some individuals experiencing mild astigmatism that may not require correction, while others may have more significant astigmatism that requires corrective measures such as glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

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