What is Astigmatism

When someone experiences some vision errors, it is common to ask questions, such as what is astigmatism and how can it be treated? The easy answer to what is astigmatism is when a cornea does not make a perfect circle. This includes imperfections of the clear, round dome around the eye’s iris. Typically, the cornea and eye’s lens are a perfect circle, with smooth edges and equally curved in every direction. This helps people focus light rays, creating sharp images in the eye. However, if the cornea is not even or smooth, light rays cannot be properly refracted, resulting in astigmatism.

Having astigmatism can result in both near and far objects appearing to be blurry or distorted. This makes images seem to take an alternate shape. Oftentimes, people are born with astigmatism, which may or may not come along with other refractive errors as well.

Children Born with Astigmatism

Children who are born with astigmatism may not know they have it, because they have never known any different. Adults, however, may be able to realize that their vision is not as clear or accurate as it should be. Uncorrected astigmatism can have a serious negative impact on a child. Their ability to be successful in school and in sports is compromised, as their vision varies from that of the other children. It is important for children to have an eye exam in order to detect any sign of astigmatism, or various other vision problems at the youngest age possible.