a·stig·ma·tism
(ə-stĭgmə-tĭz′əm)
(ə-stĭgmə-tĭz′əm)n.
A visual defect in which the unequal curvature of one or more refractive surfaces of the eye, usually the cornea, prevents light rays from focusing clearly at one point on the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
[A–1 + Greekstigma, stigmat-, point (fromstizein, stig-, to tattoo; see steig- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).]
as′tig·matic(ăs′tĭg-mătĭk)adj. & n.
as′tig·mati·cal·lyadv.
astigmatismtop: normal eye with light focusing on the retina
bottom: astigmatic eye with light focusing in different places on or in front of the retina