What is the term for the blurred vision caused by irregularities in the cornea or lens?

The term that describes blurred vision resulting from irregularities in the cornea or lens is astigmatism. This condition occurs when the cornea or lens has an uneven shape, leading to light being focused at multiple points instead of a single point on the retina. As a result, a person may experience distorted or blurred vision at various distances.

Astigmatism can arise from a variety of factors, including genetics or changes due to injury or surgery. It is distinct from other refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), which are primarily related to the eye's overall length and the ability of the lens to accommodate. Presbyopia, on the other hand, is primarily an age-related condition tied to the loss of lens elasticity that affects near vision. Understanding astigmatism is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment options, such as corrective lenses or refractive surgery.