What condition is identified as a visual impairment where the eye's shape causes blurred vision?

Astigmatism is a visual impairment that occurs when the shape of the eye is irregular, causing light rays to focus unevenly on the retina. This distortion in the eye’s curvature can result in blurred or distorted vision at various distances. Unlike other conditions that may also impact vision, such as hyperopia (farsightedness), coloboma (a congenital condition affecting eye structure), and ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), astigmatism specifically relates to the eye’s shape and light refraction issues. Understanding how astigmatism affects vision is key for recognizing the importance of proper eye care and potential corrective measures, such as glasses or contact lenses, to restore clearer vision.