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There are two basic types of astigmatism; myopia and hyperopia. These two types affect up to one third of the population and can be treated in a variety of ways from corrective lenses to surgery.

Myopia, or nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than usual from front to back or the shape of the cornea is too steep. This causes the light entering the eye to come to a focus in front of the retina which results in a blurred distance vision.

Hyperopia, or farsightedness is the opposite of myopia. It occurs when the eyeball is slightly shorter than normal, or the shape of the cornea is too flat. This cause the light entering the eye to come to a focus behind the retina, which results in blurred near vision. Distance vision may also be blurred depending on the severity of hyperopia.

A refractive error occurs when light is not focused properly on the retina at the back of the eye.

The curved surface of the eyeball bends light, much like a magnifying glass. This is called refraction. As the light is refracted it should focus on the retina, which lines the back surface of the eye.

Light enters your eye through two curved surfaces. First it passes through the cornea where most of the focusing occurs. Next, the lens, slightly adjusts the light to focus on the retina.

If the light focuses ahead of the retina, the eye is nearsighted or myopic. If the light focuses behind the retina, it is farsighted, or hyperopic. Astigmatism can result when the eye is unevenly rounded. Imperfections of the cornea or lens can also cause Astigmatism.

Glasses and contact lenses are made to bend light at a precise angle to offset the error that occurs in your eye. Surgery and corneal molding may also be options for the correction of refractive errors.

Please consult your eye care professional to discuss the solution that is best for you.