Health Tip: Understanding Astigmatism

Facts about the eye disorder

(HealthDay News) - Astigmatism involves distorted vision due to an abnormal curve in the eye's cornea. It's a very common condition, and is usually present at birth.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this additional information:

• Astigmatism often occurs alongside other eye conditions, including nearsightedness or farsightedness.
• It is unclear what causes astigmatism.
• Astigmatism can be diagnosed at a regular eye exam.
• Hard contact lenses or glasses can correct vision problems in people with astigmatism, but soft contact lenses generally don't work as well.

-- Diana Kohnle

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Last updated 2/18/2008.

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