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

Astigmatism is the condition where the eye does not refract light equally in all directions. This occurs due to an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, which leads to blurred or distorted vision at various distances. In a normally shaped eye, the cornea has a spherical shape, allowing it to focus light evenly. However, in astigmatism, because of the uneven curvature, light is focused on multiple points in or outside the eye rather than a single point on the retina.

This irregular curvature can lead to difficulties in seeing fine details or having clear vision in either direction - horizontally or vertically. Understanding astigmatism is crucial for appraisers and others in related fields, as it impacts decision-making and visual clarity in various professional scenarios.