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  1. Astigmatism - Overview

    Verified Expert
    A common vision condition due to improper curvature of the cornea, the lens or the retina. This results in blurred vision.
    How common is condition?
    Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several years or be lifelong
    Condition Highlight
    Family history may increase likelihood
    See more

    Causes

    Verified Expert

    The exact cause is not known. It is due to irregularly shaped cornea, the transparent layer of tissue at the front of the eye, or lens which is a clear structure inside the eye that changes its shape to focus on objects or oblique placement of macula (central area of retina) or distorted macular architecture due to scarring. Corneal astigmatism is usually congenital. Due to this irregular shape of cornea, light rays entering the eye are not focused properly, creating a blurred image.

    It could be present by birth.

    Risk factors include

    • Family history
    • Develop after an eye injury
    • Any eye surgery
    • Eye disease - Keratoconus

    See more

    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    The common symptoms include:

    • Blurred or distorted vision
    • Eyestrain or discomfort or tiredness of eyes
    • Headaches
    • Squinting
    • Seeing multiple images
    • Burning and itching sensation in eyes
    • Holding reading material close to eyes
    • Tilting of head

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    What causes astigmatism?
    Astigmatism is caused by a cornea or lens that has a different shape than normal. Astigmatism is very common. Doctors don't know why the shape of the cornea or lens varies from person to person. But they do know the risk of getting astigmatism is inherited (passed down from parents).
    aao.org

    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Diagnosis is done through a comprehensive eye examination.

    Common tests & procedures

    Visual acuity test: Test to check the clarity of vision.

    Keratometry: To measure the curvature of cornea. It involves focusing light on the cornea and its reflection.

    Refraction test: To measures how a series of lenses in front of the eyes focus light usually done using a retinoscope

    Corneal topography and tomography: Gives graphical depiction of curvature of cornea in different meridia and areas of thinning if present.

    See more
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    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. | Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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    Table of Contents
    Overview
    Causes
    Symptoms
    What causes astigmatism?
    Diagnosis
    Health guide
    Ask an expert
     
  1. With astigmatism, the eye is egg- or oval-shaped like a North American football. There are two basic types of astigmatism: horizontal astigmatism (when the eye is wider than it is tall) vertical astigmatism (when the eye is taller than it is wide) With either type of astigmatism, near and far vision is blurry because of the eye’s irregular shape.

    What Is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

    www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-astigmatism
    www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-astigmatism
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  2. People also ask
    What are the different types of astigmatism?
    There are a few common types of astigmatism, including regular, irregular, corneal and lenticular astigmatism, which typically fall into one of three categories: myopic, hyperopic and mixed astigmatism.

    Common types of astigmatism - All About Vision

    allaboutvision.com
    How can one correct their astigmatism?

    Dr. ANUVITHA KAMATH

    MBBS · 3 years of exp

    The treatment for astigmatism consists of corrective eyeglasses and contact eye lenses. Refractive eye surgeries like LASIK( laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis), LASEK(laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy), photorefractive keratectomy(PRK), are some of the modes of treatment for astigmatism.
    Q&A: Astigmatism
    bing.com
    What causes astigmatism?
    Astigmatism is caused by a cornea or lens that has a different shape than normal. Astigmatism is very common. Doctors don't know why the shape of the cornea or lens varies from person to person. But they do know the risk of getting astigmatism is inherited (passed down from parents).

    What Is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

    aao.org
    What does astigmatism mean?
    ¿Qué es el astigmatismo? Síntomas, causas, diagnóstico, tratamiento. Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens. Video: What Is Astigmatism? What Is the Main Cause of Astigmatism? How Does Astigmatism Affect Vision? How Can You Tell if You Have Astigmatism? How Is Astigmatism Corrected?

    What Is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

    aao.org
    What if I have a significant astigmatism that makes it hard to see?
    If you have a significant astigmatism that makes it hard to see clearly, there are lots of ways your eye care specialist can treat it. Many people with astigmatism only need glasses or contact lenses. Most people who have vision correction surgery have permanently improved vision. Some people need an enhancement procedure as they get older.

    Astigmatism: Symptoms, Tests & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic

    my.clevelandclinic.org
    What does astigmatism look like?
    To understand astigmatism, it is helpful to think of the normal eye as evenly rounded, like a basketball. With astigmatism, the eye is egg- or oval-shaped like a North American football. There are two basic types of astigmatism: With either type of astigmatism, near and far vision is blurry because of the eye’s irregular shape.

    What Is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

    aao.org
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  3. American Academy of Ophthalmology
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-astigmatism

    What Is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

    • LASIK

      For example, if you play sports, you may be seeking clear distance vision from …

    See results only from aao.org
  4. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Astigmatism - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

  5. All About Vision
    https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditi…

    Astigmatism: Causes, Definition, Types, Treatment - All …

    Feb 19, 2019 · Alas, imperfections in the curvature of the cornea or the lens (or both) can prevent images from properly focusing on the retina. The brain perceives these ocular foul-ups as unclear or distorted images. Astigmatism is …

  6. insightvisioncenter.com
    https://www.insightvisioncenter.com/what-does-astigmatism-look-like

    What Does Astigmatism Look Like? Astigmatism vs Normal Vision

  7. Rosin Eyecare
    https://rosineyecare.com/five-types-of-astigmatism...

    Five Types of Astigmatism | Astigmatism Treatment - Rosin Eyecare

  8. Vision Center
    https://www.visioncenter.org/blog/astig…

    Astigmatism Severity Scale: How to Determine Your …

    Oct 1, 2024 · How much astigmatism you have determines how your vision is affected. To find your level of astigmatism, look at the cylinder (CYL) number on your glasses prescription. The astigmatism severity scale ranges from mild …

  9. All About Vision
    https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditi…

    Common types of astigmatism - All About Vision

    Jul 9, 2020 · Find Eye Doctor. There are a few common types of astigmatism, including regular, irregular, corneal and lenticular astigmatism, which typically fall into one of three categories: myopic, hyperopic and mixed astigmatism.

  10. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8576

    Astigmatism: Symptoms, Tests & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic

  11. Vision Center
    https://www.visioncenter.org/refractive …

    What Is Astigmatism? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

    Oct 23, 2024 · Astigmatism is a common and treatable eye condition that occurs when either the cornea or the lens has an irregular shape. It’s a type of refractive error that causes blurred vision at all distances. You can have astigmatism in …

  12. National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-ey…

    Astigmatism - National Eye Institute

    Nov 15, 2023 · Astigmatism is a common eye problem that can make your vision blurry or distorted. It happens when your cornea (the clear front layer of your eye) or lens (an inner part of your eye that helps the eye focus) has a different …