Astigmatism is best described as?

Astigmatism is best described as a distortion of vision due to an irregular shape of the cornea or lens in the eye. This irregularity prevents light rays from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted images at any distance. Unlike diminishing peripheral vision, difficulty with night vision, or an inability to see colors, which are associated with different visual impairments or conditions, the primary characteristic of astigmatism is the distortion it causes, affecting the clarity and sharpness of vision. The condition typically requires corrective lenses or other interventions to restore more normal vision.