Feb. 5, 2019
Astigmatism is a common vision complains that can be hereditary or acquired. It occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. Instead of the cornea having a round shape, it is shaped more like a football, with one meridian being significantly more curved than the other.
Signs and symptoms of astigmatism may include: blurred or distorted vision, eyestrain or discomfort, headaches, difficulty with night vision, and squinting.
Astigmatism often occurs early in life, so it is important to schedule an eye exam for your child to avoid vision problems in school from uncorrected astigmatism. Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Individual lifestyles affect the way astigmatism is treated.