The spelling of the word "astigmic" is influenced by its pronunciation. It is pronounced as /æsˈtɪɡ.mɪk/. The initial sound is "æ" as in "cat" followed by "s" sound, then "t" sound and "ɪ" sound as in "bit". The second syllable starts with a "ɡ" sound followed by "m" sound and "ɪ" sound as in "kit". The last syllable ends with "k" sound as in "park". This spelling and the accompanying pronunciation refers to a person who has astigmatism in their eyes, leading to blurry vision.
Astigmatic is an adjective that describes an optical condition known as astigmatism. Astigmatism refers to a common eye condition where the curvature of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision at various distances.
The astigmatic eye does not have a spherical cornea but rather one with a more oval shape, akin to the shape of an egg. This irregularity in corneal shape causes light rays entering the eye to refract in different directions. Consequently, light does not focus correctly on the retina, resulting in a blurred or distorted image.
People with astigmatism experience symptoms such as blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, and discomfort while focusing on objects. Astigmatism can occur alongside other visual conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
The term astigmatic, therefore, describes an individual affected by astigmatism or anything relating to this visual condition. It can also refer to the properties or characteristics of astigmatism, such as astigmatic lenses or astigmatic corrections. Optometrists and ophthalmologists often prescribe corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, to compensate for astigmatism and provide clearer vision. Surgical procedures like LASIK may also be performed in certain cases to correct astigmatism.
Astigmatic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "astigmic" is derived from the term "astigmatism", which refers to a common vision condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. The word "astigmatism" itself originates from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and "stigma" meaning "point" or "dot". In this context, "astigmic" can be understood as an adjective form of "astigmatism", indicating something related to or affected by astigmatism.