Astigmatism

When the cornea is curved in such a way as to create two focal points, either or both of which may not fall on the retina, the condition known as astigmatism occurs.

Dear Frightened Patient,

"Astigmatism" is just jargon for a harmless optical condition due to the eye having an unusual shape (the normal eye is shaped like a sphere, such as a basketball, whereas the astigmatic eye has an oblong shape like a football)...It is not associated with disease of the eye but left uncorrected, it leads to ocular discomfort, trouble with hobbies and sports, and underachievement in school.

The compensating lens is shaped like a cylinder, which is easy to grind in glasses either alone or in combination with lenses for other optical problems...An Optometrist conducts several careful tests called a "refraction", often aided by advanced computers, to exactly quantify the amount of curvature of the cylinder lens the patient needs... Contact lenses also can be used to correct this condition, but this requires often lengthy fitting sessions and greater response.