What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects the way light enters the eye, causing blurry or distorted vision. Imagine the front surface of the eye, the cornea, being more like a football shape instead of a perfect soccer ball shape. This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. As a result, both near and far objects may appear blurry or distorted to someone with astigmatism.

People with astigmatism might experience difficulties in reading, seeing details, or even recognizing faces.

Glasses or contact lenses with a special prescription are commonly used to correct astigmatism. These corrective lenses compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea, helping to redirect light rays so they focus properly on the retina, thereby providing clearer and sharper vision for individuals with astigmatism.

Regular eye check-ups are crucial for those with astigmatism, as the condition can change over time. Adjustments to the prescription might be necessary to ensure that the corrective lenses continue to address the specific needs of the eyes.