What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is primarily defined as a refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or sometimes the lens, which leads to blurred or distorted vision. When the cornea has an uneven curvature, it causes light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than a single focal point on the retina. This results in distorted vision at all distances, making it difficult for individuals to see clearly.

Understanding astigmatism is crucial in vision care, as it impacts the way light is processed by the eye. Corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses can often address this condition, but its underlying cause is the irregular shape rather than any requirement for surgical intervention or being solely a distance vision problem.