Astigmatism Overview (cont.)
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, FACS
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Dahl's educational background includes a BA with Honors and Distinction from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, and an MD from Cornell University, where he was selected for Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. He had an internal medical internship at the New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
In this Article
- Astigmatism facts
- What is the definition of astigmatism?
- What are the different types of astigmatism?
- What causes astigmatism?
- Who is at risk for astigmatism?
- What are symptoms of astigmatism?
- What are signs of astigmatism?
- What tests are used to diagnose astigmatism?
- What is the treatment for astigmatism?
- What is the prognosis for astigmatism?
- Can astigmatism be prevented?
- Find a local Eye Doctor in your town
What is the prognosis for astigmatism?
About 30% of all people have astigmatism. In the vast majority of those, the condition does not change much after the age of 25. The presence of astigmatism as a child or young adult does not signify that an eye disease will later occur. Progressive astigmatism can occur with corneal trauma, repeated infections of the cornea, and degenerative diseases such as keratoconus.
Can astigmatism be prevented?
The common types of astigmatism cannot be prevented. The incidence of astigmatism due to trauma to the cornea can be decreased by attention to eye safety.
Medically reviewed by William Baer, MD; Board Certified Ophthalmology
Read, S. A., et al. "A review of astigmatism and its possible genesis." Clinical and Experimental Optometry 90.1 (2007): 5-19.
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