title: [Current state of knowledge on the subject of astigmatism etiopathogenesis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present current state of knowledge on the subject of astigmatism etiopathogenesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of contemporary literature concerning pathomechanism of astigmatism.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The optical, morphological and functional changes taking place in the visual pathway during the astigmatism are described. Special attention was focused on the functional modifications in the neuronal system of Brodmann's 17th area. The frequency of occurrence as well as the forms of astigmatism among children and adults are characterized. The results of papers indicating environmental and genetic reasons of astigmatism as well as the possible pathomechanism of astigmatism creation are presented. The necessity of astigmatism treatment before the end of visual cortex plasticity has been pointed out. The attitude towards some surgical methods of astigmatism treatment is expressed.
authors.affiliation: Katedry Okulistyki, Klinika i Zakładem Patofizjologii Narzadu Wzroku Pomorskiej AM w Szczecinie. czepita@pro.onet.pl
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Czepita
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D019781:Corneal Topography; D006801:Humans; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D015995:Prevalence; D014792:Visual Acuity