Astigmatism

Astigmatism means that the front of the eye is not entirely spherical like a soccer ball, but shaped more like a football, (ie. it is not equally curved in all places). This means that the rays of light are bent unequally, therefore giving a distorted or blurred image at all distances.

Astigmatism can be found either alone, or in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.  Laser eye surgery can treat astigmatism alone, or when found in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.