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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

    See more
    What is mixed astigmatism?
    It may occur with other refractive errors, including: Myopia (nearsightedness). This is known as myopic astigmatism. Hyperopia (farsightedness). This is called hyperopic astigmatism. Mixed astigmatism involves symptoms of myopia (blurred distance vision) and hyperopia (distorted up-close vision).
    visioncenter.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 is mixed astigmatism?
    Diagnosis
    Health guide
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  1. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Astigmatism - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

  2. American Academy of Ophthalmology
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/disease…

    What Is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, …

    Oct 1, 2024 · Astigmatism is an eye condition that causes blurry vision due to an irregular shape of the cornea or lens. Learn how to recognize the signs, get a diagnosis and choose the best correction option from ophthalmologists.

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

    Astigmatism: Symptoms, Tests & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic

  4. 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 …

  5. Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astigmatism

    Astigmatism - Wikipedia

  6. Explore Astigmate

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

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

    Feb 19, 2019 · Astigmatism. By Tom Mangan; reviewed by Valerie Kattouf, OD. Astigmatism is not a disease; it is simply a type of refractive error or vision condition, which causes blurry, fuzzy or distorted vision.

  8. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Astigmatism - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic

  9. 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 …

  10. Medical News Today
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ar…

    Astigmatism: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and …

    Feb 10, 2023 · Astigmatism is when either the cornea or the crystalline lens in the eye does not curve in the usual way. A person may have blurred vision or find themselves squinting. Corrective lenses can...

  11. Verywell Health
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/astigmat…

    Astigmatism: Eye Changes, Testing, and Correction

    Apr 27, 2024 · Astigmatism: What Do People See. With astigmatism, many things appear out of focus. While many people have this condition to some degree, it can affect some more severely than others. Living with astigmatism can be …