Astigmatism is a common eye condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. It occurs when the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, isn't evenly curved. This causes light to be focused unevenly on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is usually present at birth or develops in early childhood. It's caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which can be due to genetics, injuries, or other eye conditions. It can also be caused by the shape of the lens inside the eye. Astigmatism can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can be present in one or both eyes.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing astigmatism. These include:
• Family history of astigmatism
• Poor vision in one or both eyes
• Excessive nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Having certain eye diseases, such as keratoconus or corneal dystrophies
• Having had certain eye surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract surgery
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, you should have a comprehensive eye exam to look for signs of astigmatism. Your doctor will use a refraction test to measure your eyes and determine if you have astigmatism. If you do, your doctor may prescribe corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, to help improve your vision. In some cases, LASIK or other refractive surgeries may be recommended to correct astigmatism.