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Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a condition in which an abnormal curvature of the cornea can cause 2 focal points to fall in 2 different locations. This makes objects up close and at a distance look blurry. Astigmatism may cause eye strain. It may be combined with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery may help to correct or improve the condition.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of astigmatism may include:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Eyestrain or discomfort
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty with night vision
  • Squinting

When to see a doctor

See an eye doctor if your eye symptoms detract from your enjoyment of activities or interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks. An eye doctor can determine whether you have astigmatism and, if so, to what degree. He or she can then advise you of your options to correct your vision.

Causes

The eye has two structures with curved surfaces that bend (refract) light onto the retina, which makes the images:

  • The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye along with the tear film
  • The lens, a clear structure inside the eye that changes shape to help the eye focus on near objects

In a perfectly shaped eye, each of these elements has a round curvature, like the surface of a smooth ball. A cornea or lens with such curvature bends (refracts) all incoming light equally to make a sharply focused image directly on the retina at the back of the eye.

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