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Astigmatism

Also known as irregular curvature

Vision is blurred or doubled at every distance because the eye's surface is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football.

About 1 minute to read

Overview

A perfectly spherical cornea focuses light to a single point. An astigmatic one is curved more steeply in one direction than another, so light focuses to two lines instead. The result is blur or ghosting that does not clear at any distance.

Most people have a small amount and never notice. Larger amounts cause persistent strain, and it very often accompanies myopia or hyperopia rather than occurring alone.

What are the common symptoms?

  • Blur or ghosting at all distances
  • Streaking or starbursts around lights at night
  • Eye strain and headaches, especially after screen work
  • Tilting the head or squinting to sharpen an image

What causes it, and who is at risk?

  • Natural variation in the shape of the cornea, usually present from birth
  • Family history
  • Occasionally acquired: from keratoconus, corneal scarring, or after eye surgery

How is it treated?

Astigmatism is corrected rather than cured, and the correction has to be oriented correctly — which is why an astigmatic prescription includes an axis.

  • Glasses with a cylindrical component
  • Toric contact lenses, soft or rigid, designed to stay rotationally stable
  • Rigid gas-permeable or scleral lenses where the cornea is irregular
  • Laser correction for regular astigmatism in suitable adults

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an eye care professional who has examined you can tell you what is actually going on.

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Related conditions

Myopia (Nearsightedness) Distant things look blurred because the eye focuses light in front of the retina rather than on it. Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Close work is hard, and in stronger cases distance blurs too, because the eye focuses light behind the retina. Computer Vision Syndrome Tired, dry, aching eyes at the end of a screen-heavy day — usually from focus, posture and blink rate rather than the screen itself. Blurry Vision The most common eye complaint there is — and the cause ranges from an outdated prescription to an emergency.
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