What is the name of the condition where the eye does not refract light equally in all directions?

The condition where the eye does not refract light equally in all directions is known as astigmatism. In individuals with astigmatism, the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, which leads to distorted or blurred vision. This occurs because light rays are focused on multiple points rather than a single point on the retina, resulting in difficulty seeing both near and far objects clearly.

Astigmatism often coexists with other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, but it specifically relates to the unequal bending of light due to the irregular curvature of the eye's surface. Understanding this condition is essential for diagnosing and prescribing corrective lenses, which can help focus light more accurately onto the retina, thereby improving visual clarity.