Astigmatism

A ‘normal’ cornea is spherical, like a football; an astigmatic cornea is more like a rugby ball.

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is more oval-shaped (like a rugby ball) than spherical (like a football). This abnormal curvature means that the cornea is not the same horizontally as it is vertically.

As a result, when light enters the eye, it becomes focused at two separate planes, rather than a single point, on the retina. Having these multiple planes of focus can cause images sent to the brain to appear blurred and distorted. Some people may also experience “ghosting” – a type of double vision.

Approximately half of all people with myopia or hyperopia also have some degree of astigmatism.

Laser Eye Surgery can correct astigmatism, whether it is accompanied by myopia or hyperopia, or present alone.