Diagnosing Astigmatism & Eye Prescription


Astigmatism is very common and it doesn’t always affect vision and therefore doesn’t always require correction.  Most people do have at least some degree of astigmatism from birth and some argue that it is inherited. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms, you should make an appointment with your optician to see an optometrist who can diagnose your astigmatism.  The optometrist will complete a series of tests including testing your visual acuity and refraction.  If there is a problem, you be given a prescription for contact lenses or prescription glasses and other treatment options may be discussed.  When seeking such professional advice, you will also be screened for other eye conditions and your general health may be indicated.

Even if you are not experiencing any problems with your vision or tiredness/headaches, everybody should routinely get their eyes checked by an optometrist.  Two yearly checkups are the normal basic recommendation.

The prescription that your optician gives you will show a number, for the ‘sphere,’ and ‘cyl.’  The former will show the strength of the lens that you require to see properly if you are long or short sighted.  The lens’s power is shown by the measurement of dioptres.  If this number is positive you are long sighted and if it is negative, you are short sighted.  Some prescriptions will also show a number measured in ‘cyl’ (cylinder).  This is further power needed for the astigmatism. 

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