Astigmatism is an eye disorder caused by an irregular shape of the cornea, the clear lens that covers the front of the eye. The cornea has an irregular curve, which causes light to be focused in different places on the retina instead of one central point. This results in blurred vision and difficulty with seeing both near and far objects. Astigmatism is a very common eye disorder, affecting nearly one in three people.
Astigmatism can be caused by genetics or may develop after an eye injury or other eye surgery. It can also be caused by conditions such as keratoconus, which is an eye disorder that causes the cornea to become thin and cone-shaped.
Astigmatism can usually be treated with corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. These lenses help the eye to focus light more accurately on the retina, resulting in better vision. In some cases, corrective eye surgery may be required to correct astigmatism.
Astigmatism can cause a variety of symptoms, such as blurred vision, headaches, and eye strain. It can also affect a person's ability to do activities that require clear vision, such as driving and reading. It is important to have regular eye exams to check for astigmatism and other eye disorders, and to ensure that any corrective lenses are properly fitted.