What does astigmatism result from?

Astigmatism arises from an irregular shape of the cornea or lens in the eye. When the cornea or lens is not perfectly spherical, it causes light to bend unevenly when entering the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision at various distances. This irregularity can be a result of genetic factors, injury, or other conditions that affect the structural integrity of these critical components of the eye.

This understanding of astigmatism emphasizes the importance of eye shape in determining how effectively light is focused on the retina. A spherical cornea or lens results in clear vision because it bends light evenly, while an irregular shape disrupts this process. Other options, such as excessive exposure to light or inadequate lighting conditions, do not cause astigmatism but rather pertain to different visual challenges that do not involve the structural anomalies associated with the condition.