Astigmatism, a common vision condition, results from an imperfect curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Various methods are employed to determine the presence and degree of this refractive error.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective vision correction and management. Undiagnosed or uncorrected astigmatism can contribute to eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with tasks requiring clear vision, such as reading or driving. Historically, assessment relied on subjective patient feedback during manual refraction. Current diagnostic tools offer objective measurements for a more precise evaluation.