Astigmatism is a common refractive error of the eye that affects how light is focused onto the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Unlike normal corneas that are smooth and evenly curved, individuals with astigmatism have corneas with an irregular shape, more like a football or toric shape, causing light to focus at multiple points instead of a single point.

Astigmatism can occur alongside nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), and it can also exist on its own. The exact cause of astigmatism is not fully understood, but it is believed to be primarily a result of the cornea’s shape or, less commonly, the shape of the lens inside the eye.

• Symptoms of astigmatism can include blurred or distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing clearly at both near and far distances. It can affect individuals of all ages, including children.