Astigmatism is an eye condition that causes blurred vision due to an irregularly-shaped cornea. It occurs when the cornea is curved more in one direction than the other. This is usually caused by genetics, but can also be due to an eye injury or disease.
Astigmatism can cause problems with both near and far vision. People with astigmatism may have difficulty seeing objects both near and far, and may experience significant eyestrain. They may see objects as distorted or blurry, or have halos or glare surrounding objects.
Astigmatism can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, the optometrist will measure the curvature of the cornea and will also examine the eye’s lens. If astigmatism is present, a prescription for glasses or contact lenses may be given to help correct the vision.
In addition to glasses or contacts, there are a few other treatments for astigmatism, including corneal reshaping and laser eye surgery. Corneal reshaping involves wearing special contact lenses overnight which reshape the cornea while the person sleeps. Laser eye surgery, or LASIK, can also be used to reshape the cornea.
Although astigmatism can cause blurred vision and difficulty seeing objects, it is usually treatable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. With the right treatment, people with astigmatism can often see clearly again.