What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism, like nearsightedness or farsightedness, is a refractive error, meaning it is not an eye disease or eye health problem. Rather, it’s caused by a misshapen cornea that prevents your eye from focusing light properly. This can be corrected by spectacle lenses, contact lenses, or Intraocular Lenses (IOLs). Astigmatism is caused by an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea or in the shape of the eye’s lens.
Normally, the cornea and lens are smooth and curved equally in all directions, helping to focus light rays sharply onto the retina at the back of your eye. If your cornea or lens isn’t smooth and evenly curved, light rays aren’t focused properly.
Astigmatism symptoms may include:
- Blurry vision or areas of distorted vision
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Squinting to try to see clearly
- Eye discomfort
Learn more about Astigmatism at Get Eye Smart.
