An astigmatic correction is present in 85-90% of all visual prescriptions.
A correction for astigmatism may occur alone or may be combined with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Uncorrected astigmatism may cause blurred and distorted vision, in addition to annoying symptoms of eyestrain such as headaches, eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, loss of visual achievement or poor visual concentration.
The eye, like a camera, has an outer curved lens to focus light.
A camera lens is manufactured with a perfectly round curvature. The human eye, however is soft and, with an astigmatism, may cause objects or straight lines to appear tilted or distorted. This perception of distortion will decrease steadily with time.
When we age, astigmatism tends to progress slightly faster, requiring more frequent prescription lens changes.
More information about Astigmatism is available from Dr. Allan J. Panzer at the Houston Dry Eye Clinic, 4760 Beechnut St., Houston, TX, 77096 -- Phone: (713) 222-2020 or visit HoustonDryEyeClinic.com