Diagnosis of Astigmatism

There are two main methods of making a diagnosis. These are:

Measuring the Reflected Light: The doctor measures the amount of light reflected from its surface by shining a beam of light on the eye. A device known as a keratometer is used. This device not only measures the amount of light reflected from the cornea, but also measures its orientation.
Measuring the Cornea’s Curvature: The doctor uses a special device to project rings on the cornea. Then the keratometer is used to measure this light and determine the curvature of the corneal surface. The calculations performed from this test can confirm whether a person has astigmatism or not. This device can also help determine the degree of astigmatism.

If the corneal surface curvature keeps changing, tests for astigmatism known as corneal topography are used to measure it. For performing this procedure, a keratometer fitted with a video camera is used to film of the entire corneal surface and determine the changes that take place on its curvature.

Signs & Symptoms

Treatments