ASTIGMATISM
What is Astigmatism?
In the normal eye, light traveling through the cornea in both the horizontal plane (blue) and vertical (red) plane is refracted (bent) the same, so that the image is properly focused on the retina in the back of the eye. Vision is clear.
With astigmatism, an abnormal curvature of the cornea in one direction causes light traveling in one plane, the horizontal (blue) plane in this case, to be focused in front of the retina. The light striking the retina through the horizontal plane is out of focus on the retina and vision is unclear.
Treatment Options
You may choose to wear corrective glasses or contact lenses, or have LASIK surgery.
LASIK Surgery
Before LASIK treatment, light is out of focus on the retina. After LASIK treatment, the "steeper" cornea (arrow) causes light to bend in such a way as to become focused on the retina. Vision is clear.
See Myopia page
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