Health Care Encyclopedia
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AstigmatismDefinition: Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea of the eye is asymmetrically curved, causing out-of-focus vision.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: The cause of astigmatism is unknown. It is usually present from birth, and often occurs together with nearsightedness or farsightedness. A minor degree of astigmatism is considered normal and does not require correction. Astigmatism is very common.
Symptoms: Difficulty in seeing fine detail, either close-up or from a distance.
Signs and tests: Astigmatism is easily diagnosed by a standard ophthalmic exam with refraction test. Special tests are not usually required. Children or others who cannot respond to questions can have their refractive error measured by a test using reflected light called retinoscopy.
Treatment: Glasses or hard contact lenses will correct astigmatism. Soft contact lenses do not work as well.
Expectations (prognosis): Vision is usually normal with the correct glasses or contact lenses.
Complications: - There are complications associated with contact lenses (including the risk of corneal abrasion), which may develop if contact lenses are used.
- Unequal astigmatism may cause amblyopia.
Calling your health care provider: Call for an appointment with the health care provider or ophthalmologist if vision problems worsen or do not improve with glasses or contact lenses.
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| Review Date: 7/24/2004
Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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