Astigmatism is a common eye condition that causes blurry vision. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens (the part of the eye that focuses light) has an irregular shape. This prevents light from focusing properly on the retina (the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye), resulting in distorted images.

Astigmatism can affect people of any age and can be present at birth or develop later in life. Some of the symptoms of astigmatism include:

• Blurred or distorted vision at any distance
• Headaches
• Eyestrain
• Squinting
• Difficulty seeing at night

Astigmatism can be diagnosed by an eye doctor using a variety of tests, such as a visual acuity test, a refraction test, and a keratometry test. The severity and type of astigmatism will determine the best treatment option for each individual. Some of the common treatment options include:

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses: These are the most simple and non-invasive ways to correct astigmatism. They work by compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea or lens and providing a clear focus for the retina.
• Orthokeratology: This is a process that involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea. This can temporarily improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contacts during the day.
• Laser eye surgery: This is a permanent solution that involves using a laser to reshape the cornea and correct astigmatism. There are different types of laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, PRK, and LASEK, and each one has its own benefits and risks.

If you have astigmatism, you should consult your eye doctor regularly to monitor your condition and find the best treatment option for you. Astigmatism can affect your quality of life and your ability to perform daily activities, so it is important to take care of your eyes and seek professional help if you experience any vision problems.

Astigmatism is not a disease, but rather a refractive error that affects how the eye focuses light. It can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, eye injuries, eye diseases, or aging. Some people may have mild astigmatism and not notice any significant vision problems, while others may have severe astigmatism and require corrective lenses or surgery.

Astigmatism can be classified into two main types: corneal astigmatism and lenticular astigmatism. Corneal astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an oval shape instead of a round shape. Lenticular astigmatism occurs when the lens has an irregular shape. Both types of astigmatism can result in blurred vision at any distance.

Astigmatism can also be categorized by the direction of the irregularity in the cornea or lens. There are three common types of astigmatism: with-the-rule astigmatism, against-the-rule astigmatism, and oblique astigmatism. With-the-rule astigmatism occurs when the vertical meridian of the eye is steeper than the horizontal meridian. Against-the-rule astigmatism occurs when the horizontal meridian is steeper than the vertical meridian. Oblique astigmatism occurs when the steepest and flattest meridians are not vertical or horizontal, but rather at an angle.