Light and shadow anomalies

[number12]

I am having a few issues when rendering glass, I am working with high polygon models and all is fine with their geometry but when I light them in preview and view in a render I am getting jutting zig zag shapes instead of straight lines. This seems to be happening when using circular or rectangular lights (custom HDRI's) and is not dependant on the type of glass, it also seems to affect all transparencies and any glossy materials that show reflection clearly. (Anything with higher specularity)
Here is an example of what is happening:

[guest84672]

can you share the hdri?

[number12]

I could send the HDRI file but I created another one from scratch and I still get the exact same results so I'm thinking this may not be the issue. I am bringing my models from Maya 2008 and as such I have to export/import using .obj files only. Could this have anything to do with it? If so is there anything I can do as it's my only 3D modelling app?

[guest84672]

It could. You may want to look at the polygons by using the wireframe material. Also make sure that your HDRI has enough resolution.