What is Astigmatism?

Answer:
Astigmatism, the most common vision problem,

is a condition in which the surface of the cornea is oblong, or oval shaped, rather than round like a marble.

Due to the steeper curve of the oval shape, light entering the eye to focus on two points rather than focusing on one point, as it does in a healthy eye.

In most cases, astigmatism can be compensated for through the use of eye glasses or contact lenses. Depending on the type and severity of the astigmatism, it may be corrected through refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK. These options should be discussed with an optometrist.

Astigmatism is typically hereditary. However, it may also be caused by an injury to the eye that causes scar tissue to form on the cornea.


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