Astigmatism, is a condition in which the front surface of the eye, particularly the cornea has an irregular curvature. Astigmatism is also commonly known as Refractive errors. These Refractive erros leads to disturbances in the eye.

This condition, that is Astigmatism commonly seen in both nearsightedness people and farsighted people. Astigmatism does not mean that the people have bad eyes. But is simply means that there is a disturbance or variation in the shape of the cornea of eye.

Causes of astigmatism

The main causes of astigmatism, is that the front surface of the eye, that is cornea, develops and irregular curvature. In normal cases, the cornea is seen to be smooth and equally curved in all directions. Moreover, in normal cases, the light entering the cornea focuses equally on all planes and in all directions.

But in case of this condition, that is Astigmatism, the front surface of the cornea is curved more in one direction than other. This abnormality results in disturbances in vision which is much like looking into a distorted, wavy mirror. Chiefly, the distortion results, because of the eye of focus light rays to a paint.

In the cases, where the corneal surface of variation in their curvature then light refraction gets impaired to such extent that the corrective lenses are needed to help in focusing the light rays better.

Astigmatism is a very common disease. Experienced doctors generally believes that near about every person has a degree of astigmatism and moreover this is present since birth and it has been noted that it remains the some throughout the life.

There is no exact cause known in order to known the etiology of astigmatism. But it has been known that heredity plays an important role in development of astigmatism. Due to this reason, some people are more prone to develop astigmatism than others.

In case of astigmatism, only a certain proportion of the rays are focused and the remainder are not, thus the image formed is always blurred. Usually, astigmatism causes blurred vision at all distances. Some people with very high degree of astigmatism may have certain cornea problems such as keratoconus.

Symptoms of astigmatism

• Patients of astigmatism shows distortion or blurring of images at all distances.

• There is headache and fatigue.

• There may be squinting and eye discomfort or irritation

Treatment of astigmatism

If the degree of astigmatism is slight and no other problems of refraction such as farsightedness or nearsightedness, are present then correctives lenses may not be needed. But if the degree of astigmatism is too much which leads to eyestrain, headache or distortion of vision than contact lenses will be needed for clear and comfortable vision. Refractive surgery may be able to correct some forms of astigmatism. Astigmatism may increase slowly. Regular eye care helps to maintain proper vision.