Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects people of all ages. It is a vision problem that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is misshapen.
This misshapenness causes light to focus irregularly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Astigmatism may also cause headaches, eye strain, and discomfort.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is typically a genetic condition that can be present from birth. It can also develop after an eye injury or eye surgery. In some cases, astigmatism may be part of a larger eye condition, such as keratoconus or cataracts.
How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
To diagnose astigmatism, an eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam. This exam may include vision testing, a refraction test, and a keratometry test. The vision test measures the sharpness of your vision and your ability to see details.
The refraction test measures your eye’s ability to focus, and the keratometry test measures the curvature of your cornea.
How to Find Out if You Have Astigmatism in Just 5 Seconds?
Although a comprehensive eye exam is important to accurately diagnose astigmatism, there is a quick and easy way to check if you have astigmatism at home. All you need is a piece of paper and pen.
Here’s how you can check if you have astigmatism in just 5 seconds:.
- Draw a circle on the piece of paper.
- Hold the paper at arm’s length and look at the circle.
- Observe if the lines of the circle appear clear or distorted.
- If the lines of the circle appear wavy or blurry, you may have astigmatism.
- Repeat the test with your other eye.
If you notice any distortion or blurriness in the lines, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine if you have astigmatism or another vision problem.
Can Astigmatism be Treated?
Astigmatism can be treated with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses that are specially designed to compensate for the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
In some cases, refractive surgery such as LASIK, PRK, or other forms of vision correction surgery may be recommended. Talk to your eye doctor to determine the best treatment option for your astigmatism.
Conclusion
Astigmatism is a common vision problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can be present from birth or develop later in life due to an injury or eye condition.
It’s important to have a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you have astigmatism or another vision problem. By using the simple test mentioned above, you can quickly determine if you have astigmatism and schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
With proper treatment, most people with astigmatism can achieve clear and comfortable vision.