Astigmatism

Introduction: Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a visual disorder where the eye cannot properly focus due to misshapen cornea or lens. Unlike myopia (near-sightedness) and hyperopia (far-sightedness), which are both poorly focused in one particular direction, the visual disorder is more complex in astigmatism, with more complex variations. Although astigmatism is not the same as myopia or hyperopia, it often occurs in people with either of these conditions.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

• Blurred vision - usually only in some places
• Distortion in some part of visual field

Home Diagnostic Testing

Home medical testing related to Astigmatism:

• Vision & Eye Health: Home Testing:
  • Home Eye Tests
  • Home Vision Tests

Wrongly Diagnosed with Astigmatism?

• Misdiagnosis of Astigmatism
• Underlying causes of Astigmatism (possibly wrongly diagnosed)

Causes of Astigmatism

Read more about causes of Astigmatism.

More information about causes of Astigmatism:

• Astigmatism as a complication caused by other conditions
• Astigmatism as a symptom

Treatments for Astigmatism

• Eyeglasses
• Contact lenses
• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) - refractive eye surgery
• Astigmatic keratotomy - refractive eye surgery

Read more about treatments for Astigmatism

Videos for Astigmatism

Patient Surveys for Astigmatism

• Patient Profile Survey
  Take Survey  View Results
• Survey about the symptoms of your Astigmatism
  Take Survey  View Results

Reseach about Astigmatism

Visit our research pages for current research about Astigmatism treatments.

Clinical Trials for Astigmatism

The US based website ClinicalTrials.gov lists information on both federally and privately supported clinical trials using human volunteers.

Some of the clinical trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for Astigmatism include:

• Comparison of a Laser Keratome to a Mechanical Microkeratome - This study has been completed (Current: 23 Nov 2006)
• Evaluation of Visual Outcomes After Myopic LASIK - This study has been completed (Current: 23 Nov 2006)
• Evaluation of Outcomes Following LASIK Surgery Using CustomVue - This study has been completed (Current: 23 Nov 2006)
• The Berkeley Orthokeratology Study - This study has been completed (Current: 23 Nov 2006)
• A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of the 217z Laser Zyoptix for Lasik - This study is not yet open for patient recruitment (Current: 23 Nov 2006)

See full list of 8 Clinical Trials for Astigmatism

Statistics for Astigmatism

• Medical statistics for Astigmatism
• Prevalence and incidence statistics for Astigmatism
• Death and Mortality statistics for Astigmatism
• Society statistics for Astigmatism

Stories from Users Related to Astigmatism

• Myelitis and astigmatism?

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User Interactive Forums

Read about other experiences, ask a question about Astigmatism, or answer someone else's question, on our message boards:

• I can not get a diagnosis. Please help.
• Tell us your medical story.
• Share your misdiagnosis story.
• What is the best treatment for this?
• See all the forums.

Article Excerpts about Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a condition in which the uneven curvature of the cornea blurs and distorts both distant and near objects. A normal cornea is round, with even curves from side to side and top to bottom. With astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like the back of a spoon, curved more in one direction than in another. This causes light rays to have more than one focal point and focus on two separate areas of the retina, distorting the visual image. Two-thirds of Americans with myopia also have astigmatism. (Source: excerpt from Facts About the Cornea and Corneal Disease: NEI)

Definitions of Astigmatism:

Unequal curvature of the refractive surfaces of the eye. Thus a point source of light cannot be brought to a point focus on the retina but is spread over a more or less diffuse area. This results from the radius of curvature in one plane being longer or shorter than the radius at right angles to it. (Dorland, 27th ed) - (Source - Diseases Database)

(ophthalmology) impaired eyesight resulting usually from irregular conformation of the cornea - (Source - WordNet 2.1)