Astigmatism is classified as which type of health condition?

Astigmatism is classified as a vision defect because it refers to a common refractive error of the eye caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens. This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision at various distances. Understanding astigmatism is essential for medical assistants, as they may encounter patients who have difficulty with vision due to this condition. Proper identification and referral for corrective measures, such as glasses or contact lenses, is a key part of ensuring optimal patient care in ophthalmology or general healthcare settings.