What is a common sign of astigmatism that optometric technicians may notice?

Distorted vision at certain angles is a hallmark sign of astigmatism. This condition arises from an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted images. Individuals with astigmatism often experience visual distortion when looking at straight lines, especially when these lines are oriented in certain directions. This can manifest as difficulty in discerning fine details in letters or objects, particularly when viewing them from varying angles.

Each of the other options describes different visual issues. Difficulty in seeing objects up close typically relates to presbyopia or hyperopia, where the ability to focus on near objects is compromised, often due to age-related changes. Blurry vision at all distances can be indicative of several refractive errors, including myopia or hyperopia, rather than the specific angular distortion of astigmatism. Color blindness, meanwhile, pertains to the inability to perceive certain colors and is entirely unrelated to the curvature anomalies associated with astigmatism. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately identifying and addressing visual impairments in patients.