Astigmatism Test

Now you must be clouded with the question as to what is astigmatism? One of the common visual disorders after hypermetropia, and myopia, is what is known as astigmatism. However, the condition is mild and easily treatable. It is basically an imperfection that occurs in the curvature of the eyes. The condition is usually present at birth, and becomes worse when joined by nearsightedness or farsightedness. Treating this disorder involves using corrective lenses and surgery.

Astigmatism: Causes and Symptoms

For a perfectly clear vision, the cornea and the lens must have an even and a smooth curvature. However, if they are not, then the light rays do not get refracted in a manner they should, in order to focus a clear image on the back of the eyes (retina). So this causes what is known as refractive error, and astigmatism is a type of this error. In this case, the curvature of the cornea or lens is more steep in one direction. This eventually results in producing a blurry vision, that may occur either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

The astigmatism symptoms which are commonly observed include:

• Eyestrain
• Headaches (which again, may be a result of eye strain)
• In some portions of the vision filed, there might be distortion
• Blurred vision (the classic symptom of astigmatism)

Diagnosis and Test for Astigmatism

Although there are various online tests to diagnose astigmatism, that you may go for, nothing can replace the test that is performed at the doctor's. You can be sure that you are going through a genuine test pattern, only when the test is performed by an eye specialist. So basically, there are two standard ways for testing for astigmatism, which the eye doctor performs to diagnose the condition. The first one involves using a device known as keratometer. Also known as ophthalmometer, the doctor uses this instrument to come up with the measure of the curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea. This way, the reflected light from the surface of the cornea can be measured thus, deducing the amount and orientation of corneal astigmatism in children and adults. The second method includes the use of two devices; keratoscope and videokeratoscope. The former device throws or projects rings on the cornea. Now the light that gets reflected from the cornea, is brought under observation with the help of this device. Also, the shape and spacing of the rings are observed. All these data are used to deduce the degree or severity of astigmatism. About the videokeratoscope, it is nothing but a keratoscope that is fitted with a video.

Apart from these, you may also be diagnosed with the help of an astigmatism test chart. The results may be given to you on the spot, or the day after. It varies from clinic to clinic. And coming to the subject of astigmatism correction or let's say treatment, the main aim to deal with the uneven curvature that is causing the blurry vision and other symptoms. You may go for eyeglasses, or corrective lenses (known as astigmatism contacts), which are considered to be more comfortable. If we leave aside this method, most people also go for corrective surgery to reshape the curvature of the eye. The method includes the laser eye surgery known as laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK surgery), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) (also known as PRK eye surgery), and laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) (another laser eye surgery for astigmatism). Whatever treatment method you chose, it is recommended to discuss it with family members and most importantly with the doctor. This would give you a better idea on the expectations from the treatment, the risks involved and more importantly, the cost.

It is important to understand that rather than doing the astigmatism test online, it should be left to the professional. At the doctor's, you would not only have a true diagnosis, but would also know about additional problems with your eyes, if there are any. So never take chances with your eyes. If something is troubling them, go for medical help right away.