Astigmatism is a condition in which objects, both near and distant, appear blurred. The cornea and lens of the eye should be spherical. When one or both are curved more steeply in one meridian than another, the optics take on a toric shape (like a football). This uneven curvature prevents light rays entering the eye from focusing to a single point on the retina, blurring the visual image somewhat like a funhouse mirror at an amusement park. Astigmatism often occurs in combination with myopia and hyperopia. Nearly everyone has some level of astigmatism. It is very important to reduce astigmatism to achieve the best vision, particularly in the setting of advanced cataract surgery where the goal is to reduce dependence on glasses.
Astigmatism is a condition in which objects, both near and distant, appear blurred. The cornea and lens of the eye should be spherical. When one or both are curved more steeply in one meridian than another, the optics take on a toric shape (like a football).
This uneven curvature prevents light rays entering the eye from focusing to a single point on the retina, blurring the visual image somewhat like a funhouse mirror at an amusement park.
Astigmatism often occurs in combination with myopia and hyperopia. Nearly everyone has some level of astigmatism.
It is very important to reduce astigmatism to achieve the best vision, particularly in the setting of advanced cataract surgery where the goal is to reduce dependence on glasses.