How is astigmatism diagnosed?

Astigmatism is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, which typically involves the following steps:

1. Visual Acuity Test: The eye doctor will first measure your visual acuity, which is the sharpness of your vision. This is done using an eye chart, and it helps determine how well you see at different distances.

2. Retinoscopy: Retinoscopy is a test used to measure the amount and axis of astigmatism. The eye doctor shines a light into your eyes and observes the reflection from the retina. Based on the pattern of the reflection, the doctor can determine if you have astigmatism and the power of the astigmatism.

3. Corneal Topography: Corneal topography is a more advanced test that creates a detailed map of the curvature of your cornea. This test provides a precise measurement of the shape of your cornea and can help diagnose astigmatism as well as other corneal conditions.

4. Slit-Lamp Examination: The eye doctor uses a slit lamp, which is a microscope with a bright light, to examine the front of your eye, including the cornea, pupil, and lens. This helps rule out other possible causes of blurred vision or symptoms related to astigmatism.

5. Cycloplegic Refraction: In some cases, the eye doctor may use a special eye drop called a cycloplegic to relax the focusing muscles of your eyes. This is done to obtain a more accurate measurement of astigmatism when the muscles are fully relaxed.

Based on the results of these tests, the eye doctor can determine if you have astigmatism and recommend the best treatment options.

It's important to have regular eye exams, especially if you experience vision problems such as blurred or distorted vision or difficulty seeing at night. Early diagnosis and proper correction of astigmatism can help maintain good vision and prevent further complications.