Astigmatism

A cylindrical refractive error that causes blurred vision both at a distance and close up.

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Cylindrical refractive error

To see clearly, the cornea must have the same curvature in all directions.

In astigmatism, the curvature of your cornea is not the same along every axis. Normally, your eye is round like a football, but with astigmatism your cornea has a flatter axis and a more curved axis. This makes your eye resemble a rugby ball and causes images to appear distorted.


In astigmatism, the surface of the eye is not spherical like a football, but oval like a rugby ball. This causes a distorted image. Click to enlarge.

Normaal oog en oog met cylindrische afwijking (astigmatisme).

Left: normal eye | right: eye with astigmatism

In astigmatism, the surface of the eye is not spherical like a football, but oval like a rugby ball.

Combination with other refractive errors

Astigmatism can occur in combination with short-sightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hyperopia).

Symptoms

The cylindrical refractive error causes blurred vision both at a distance and close up.

 

Treatment

Below are some possible treatments for this condition. After the diagnosis, your doctor will work with you and the other doctors on the team to select the best option for you. Your treatment may therefore differ from the treatment or treatments described below.

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Eye diseases
Last edit: 25 july 2026