Astigmatism is a refractive condition that results from an abnormal shape or curvature of the front part of the eye (the cornea). Simply put, an astigmatic eye has different curvatures on the front of the eye, just like a football or an egg, as opposed to perfectly round like a basketball or soccer ball. When we look at a distant object, the light rays bounce off the object and travel toward our eyes. With normal vision, the light rays pass through the various parts of the eye and focus on the retina (the layer lining the inside of the eye), allowing for clear vision. When the curvature of the front part of the eye (the cornea) is abnormal – as with astigmatism – the light rays are bent in different directions, resulting in distorted images, often described as “shadowing” or “distortion” of letters and/or objects. Because astigmatism affects ALL light entering the eyes, individuals with astigmatism often have difficulty seeing both distant and near objects. Astigmatism is commonly present at birth but can also be developed over time.
Treatment of Astigmatism
Just as with nearsightedness and farsightedness, the visual problems associated with astigmatism can be remedied with the use of glasses or contact lenses. There are also surgical options that can be useful to correct for astigmatism. If you are interested in seeking a surgical solution for astigmatism, please speak with one of our doctors who will be happy to assess if you are a candidate for surgery and answer any questions you may have.