Astigmatism?

[tracy6697]

I've just found out that I have an astigmatism in my left eye (cylinder -0.50 axis 170.0 if that means anything to anyone). I know that it means an irregular curvature of the eye but what does it mean on a practical level? Does it affect my eyesight or just how my glasses are made? Does anyone know whether, from the above measurements, how severe mine is?

[Ethel]

Mainly blurred vision and difficulty focusing. Yours is mild, with 180.0 being the norm and 30.0 being severe.

You can wear contact lenses if you choose to do so, instead of glasses.

[EngTeach]

I wear contacts quite comfortably and I have an astigmatism also. Sometimes the lense floats a bit, but it is slight and a quick blink fixes it.
Not a problem at all.

P.S. I'm Tracy too. with No "E" like you! Most people I konw have the E.

[Hu Flung Dun]

I have it in both my eyes but don't have to much bother. Have to wear glasses but that is about it.

[Whickerman]

You'll have nothing to worry about. See Ethel for the astigmatism levels. The -0.50 is the level of power in your lens. I used to make them! Plano (plane glass) has a zero power, next strength is 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 etc, and they usually go up to 20.00, so you've a very weak prescription. Lenses can be + or -, depending on what your eyesight is like (If you're near or far-sighted). + simply magnifies things, - makes things look smaller.

[banned-dot]

I have astigmatism in one eye and the optician explained that it meant the lense ( I think it was )of the eye was rugby ball shaped instead of football shaped, but that doesn;t mean i understand the game of rugby, just the opposite in fact.