What happens when the cornea in your eye is curved unevenly?

When the cornea in your eye is curved unevenly, a condition called astigmatism occurs. Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It happens when the front surface of your eye (the cornea) is not perfectly round, but instead is oval or football-shaped. This causes light rays to focus at different points in the eye, instead of coming together at a single point on the retina, which is essential for clear vision.

As a result, people with astigmatism may experience the following symptoms:

1. Blurred or distorted vision: Objects near or far may appear blurry, have distorted shapes, or look stretched in one direction.

2. Eyestrain: You may feel eye fatigue, headaches, or discomfort after focusing on objects for prolonged periods.

3. Difficulty seeing at night: Driving or reading in low-light conditions may be particularly challenging.

4. Squinting: People with astigmatism may squint to improve their vision.

It's important to note that everyone has some degree of astigmatism. However, the condition only becomes noticeable when the curvature of the cornea is significantly uneven. Astigmatism is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam and can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery options such as LASIK or PRK. Regular eye check-ups can ensure the condition is detected and managed appropriately.