Is a refractive error that occurs when the corneal shape is more oval than round. This means that the oval has two curvatures: one steeper and one flatter. And the cornea therefore refracts (bends) incoming light in two ways, creating blurry vision at all distances it can be mild or severe.

• Origin of astigmatism Greek stigma, stigmat-, point (from stizein, stig-, to tattoo; see steig- in IndoEuropean roots).