For people with astigmatism, all objects both near and far are distorted. Images
are blurred because some of the light rays are focused and others are not.
What causes astigmatism?
A normal cornea is round and smooth like a soccer ball. With astigmatism, the cornea
curves more severely, like a rugby ball. Astigmatism is inherited, and can occur in
combination with shortsightedness or longsightedness.
What are the symptoms?
For people with astigmatism, all objects both near and far are distorted. Images are
blurred because some of the light rays are focused and others are not. This is similar to
the distortion produced by a wavy pane of glass.
How can you correct astigmatism?
Astigmatism is corrected by bending the light rays onto a single plane. People who are
astigmatic can have their vision corrected by several means, including: