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Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common condition that affects the eyes. It is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, which prevents light from properly focusing on the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision. There are several types of astigmatism, each with its own unique characteristics.

Myopic astigmatism: This type of astigmatism occurs when the cornea is more curved in one direction than the other, causing light to focus in front of the retina. It is often associated with nearsightedness, or myopia.

Hyperopic astigmatism: In hyperopic astigmatism, the cornea is more curved in one direction than the other, causing light to focus behind the retina. This type of astigmatism is often associated with farsightedness, or hyperopia.

Mixed astigmatism: This type of astigmatism occurs when one meridian of the eye is nearsighted, while the other is farsighted. This results in both near and distant objects appearing blurry or distorted.

Regular astigmatism: In regular astigmatism, the cornea or lens is curved more in one direction than the other, resulting in two focal points. This can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Irregular astigmatism: Irregular astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, resulting in multiple focal points. This type of astigmatism is often associated with eye conditions such as keratoconus or corneal scarring, and can be more difficult to correct.

In conclusion, astigmatism can take on several different forms, each with its own unique characteristics. It is important to see an eye doctor regularly to ensure that any vision problems, including astigmatism, are detected and treated promptly.