Illinois Vision Certification Practice Test

Which condition is described by distorted images?

1. Astigmatism

2. Myopia

3. Hyperopia

4. Tropia

The correct answer is: Astigmatism

The condition characterized by distorted images is astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is not properly curved, resulting in light entering the eye being focused at multiple points rather than a single focal point. This uneven curvature leads to blurred or distorted vision, making it difficult for the individual to see fine details clearly. Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) primarily affect the clarity of near or distant objects but do not inherently cause distortion in the way astigmatism does. Tropia refers to a misalignment of the eyes, which causes one eye to turn in a different direction than the other, affecting depth perception and alignment but not specifically causing distorted images. Astigmatism distinctly involves the quality of the image produced on the retina, making it the condition that best fits the description of distorted images.