Astigmatism - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Astigmatism is a refractive error characterized by a variation in the dioptric power of the eye from one meridian to another.
The most common symptom is diminished visual acuity.
The etiology is still unknown, but it is probably influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Among the common risk factors are a family history of astigmatism; myopia; Native American, East Asian, Hispanic, or Brazilian ethnic origin; eye trauma or surgery; and certain genetic and eyelid pathologies.
In most cases, the diagnosis is clinical and further diagnostic tests are usually not necessary.

Corneal topography: with-the-rule astigmatism

From the collection of the Department of Ophthalmology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Israel. Used with permission

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Corneal topography: with-the-rule astigmatism
Corneal topography: against-the-rule astigmatism
Corneal topography: oblique astigmatism
Corneal topography: keratoconus

Citations

Key Articles

Jacobs DS, Afshari NA, Bishop RJ, et al. Refractive errors preferred practice pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2023 Mar;130(3):P1-60.[Abstract][Full Text]
Read SA, Collins MJ, Carney LG. A review of astigmatism and its possible genesis. Clin Exp Optom. 2007 Jan;90(1):5-19.[Abstract]
Gwiazda J, Grice K, Held R, et al. Astigmatism and the development of myopia in children. Vision Res. 2000;40(8):1019-26.[Abstract]
Hutchinson AK, Morse CL, Hercinovic A, et al. Pediatric eye evaluations preferred practice pattern. Ophthalmology. 2023 Mar;130(3):P222-70.[Abstract][Full Text]
Jacobs DS, Lee JK, Shen TT, et al. Refractive surgery preferred practice pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2023 Mar;130(3):P61-135.[Abstract][Full Text]

Other Online Resources

FDA: FDA-approved lasers for LASIK / patient information

Referenced Articles

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