People with astigmatism have a cornea that instead of being shaped like a football has more of a rugby ball shape (i.e. it is not equally curved in all places). This means that the rays of light are bent unequally, therefore giving a distorted or blurred image at all distances.
Astigmatism can be found either alone, or in conjunction with myopia or hypermetropia. Laser surgery can treat astigmatism especially in conjunction with myopia or hypermetropia.
Astigmatism can run in families
Previous surgery, scarring or trauma can cause astigmatism.
Certain eye conditions, such as keratoconus and pterygia, can be associated with astigmatism.
Without optical correction, patients with astigmatism can experience:
Blurred vision
Eye strain and discomfort
Squinting of eyes
Headaches
Fatigue
LASIK / LASEK / TransPRK are very effective methods of correcting astigmatism.
Astigmatism can be corrected at the same time as cataract extraction or clear lens extraction.
