Astigmatism means the cornea is shaped irregularly, like a football, instead of being spherical, like a baseball. Most astigmatic corneas have two curves, which are too steep in one place and too flat in another. Light rays do not come to a single focal point, resulting in blurred vision at near or distance. Astigmatism often occurs along with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Astigmatism is common and, in most cases, if you have it, you were born with it. It can be corrected with glasses.

An irregularly shaped cornea -- the eye's outer lens -- causes light rays to focus at different points. The result is blurry vision at near and distance.

If you think you may have an astigmatism and are not comfortable wearing glasses there are laser procedures that may help to improve your vision. Click here to learn if a laser procedure may be right for you. Discuss this procedure with your eyecare professional to determine the best treatment for you.