Astigmatism Overview
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects the way light enters the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision. It happens when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina.
In a perfectly shaped eye, the cornea is round like a soccer ball. In this condition, it may be shaped more like a rugby ball — with different curves in different directions. This results in light scattering rather than focusing to a single sharp point.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or fuzzy vision (at near and far distances)
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches, especially after reading or screen time
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Squinting
This condition can occur on its own or alongside short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia). It’s usually present from birth but can also develop after an eye injury, surgery, or due to a condition like keratoconus.
Astigmatism is not a disease and is easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
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