Health Tip: Understanding Astigmatism

(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.