Which term describes a condition where the eye does not focus properly due to uneven curvatures of the cornea?

The condition where the eye does not focus properly due to uneven curvatures of the cornea is known as astigmatism. This irregular shape of the cornea leads to light being focused at multiple points rather than a single point on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Astigmatism can occur in combination with other refractive errors, such as myopia or hyperopia, but it is specifically characterized by this irregular curvature.

Understanding how astigmatism affects vision can highlight the importance of regular eye examinations. Correction is often achieved with specially designed lenses that help to even out the focusing power of the eye. In contrast, hyperopia, often referred to as farsightedness, and presbyopia, which is an age-related condition affecting the eye's ability to focus on close objects, do not specifically pertain to the uneven curvature of the cornea. Therefore, astigmatism distinctly describes the focusing issue stemming from those irregularities.