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|  | Astigmatism is a general distortion or blurring of both near and far visual images. It occurs when the cornea — the transparent outer portion of the eye that covers the front of the eye and the lens — is curved in one direction more than the other (making it more oval than round).
Astigmatism sometimes occurs in conjunction with another vision disorder, such as hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness).
Some people with astigmatism may not be aware of their condition because the brain learns to compensate for the distortion and blurring.
What causes astigmatism?
Exactly why this condition develops is not known. It may be inherited, caused as the eye develops, or occur as a result of the pressure of the eyelids against the eye.
Can it be corrected?
Yes, through prescription glasses or contact lenses that compensate for the deficiency. When lenses are prescribed to correct this defect, however, the person may initially see objects as tilted or out of shape for a few days—until the brain learns to perceive the images correctly.
Do children have problems with astigmatism?
About three percent of school-age children have significant amounts of astigmatism, compared with two percent of preschoolers.
What happens if the condition is not corrected?
If left unattended, even slight degrees of astigmatism may cause headaches, eye strain, fatigue, and poor schoolwork in children. Higher degrees cause distorted or blurred vision.
How can I tell if I or my children have astigmatism?
Early warning signs of astigmatism include:
- Squinting
- Poor reading ability
- Eye irritation and discomfort
- An eye care professional can diagnose and treat astigmatism during a regular eye examination.
Will it get worse?
Gradual changes in the degree of astigmatism can be expected. Sometimes the change is slightly greater during the school years.
Source for portions of the information used: American Optometric Association
This information is in no way a substitute for a personal examination by an eyecare professional. To find a certified Carl ZEISS Vision practice near you, use our
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