Are you astigmatic? Try our online astigmatism test to find out
Medically reviewed by Jakub Odcházel, DiS., Chief Optician, on 19 May 2021. Written by Maria Chiara Tarsia
Did you know that about 70% of all glasses wearers are astigmatic? Maybe you are one of them? Test your eyesight now with our at-home astigmatism test!
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision defect that causes difficulties in near and far vision, headaches and blurry vision. The cause of this impairment is found in the non-homogeneous curvature of the astigmatic cornea. It can affect people of any age, and often those affected are also nearsighted or farsighted. In these cases, it takes the name of myopic astigmatism or hypermetropic astigmatism.
The image below shows the difference between a typical cornea and a cornea affected by astigmatism.
Normally the cornea should appear spherical, with a shape that resembles a soccer ball. When astigmatism occurs, it appears more squashed, like a rugby ball.
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
This corneal deformation causes the light to be refracted incorrectly. Round objects could, for example, appear oval due to the distortion. But not only that. The constant wrong refraction of the light causes our eyes and brain to exert themselves.
Sometimes – our brain being the wonderful machine that it is – we might even not register this strain, but simply feel more tired than normal. Well, at least until we find the perfect prescription. No wonder so many people don't know they are astigmatic until they get tested for it.
Here are the most common symptoms of astigmatism. If you are astigmatic, you might experience all of them or just some:
- Distorted or fuzzy images
- Eye fatigue and/or visual discomfort
- Frequent squinting
- Blurred vision both from afar and up close
- Headache
- Excessive lacrimation
- Impaired vision at night
Can astigmatism get worse?
Yes, especially if it isn't corrected properly. Other reasons can be congenital or due to trauma, dry eye syndrome or because of bad habits such as excessive squinting or erroneous use of glasses or contact lenses. Sometimes, though, it can get worse for no reason at all. This is why eye check-ups are fundamental and must be repeated periodically.
More often than not, astigmatism remains stable or changes gradually as we age (for example, when the cornea becomes increasingly oddly shaped due to a natural loosening of our muscle tone). When these changes occur, it is likely that our prescription needs adjustment.
In general, according to researchers, in most cases astigmatism remains relatively stable until 50 years of age, increasing progressively faster after 60.
How can I get tested for astigmatism?
An eye test by an optician is sufficient. After examination, your optician or eye doctor will be able to say with certainty whether your eyes are actually affected by astigmatism.
Online at-home astigmatism test
Are you curious to know if you have astigmatism? While you wait for your eye test appointment, you can try this simple astigmatism self-test.
- Place yourself at about 35–40 cm from the picture
- Look at the image with one eye covered at a time
- Then, look again at the image with both eyes
- If you wear glasses, repeat the test both with and without them
Verdict: if the rays appear blurry or unclear in one or more directions, this could indicate you have astigmatism. If you detect differences in lines even when wearing your glasses, you should have your glasses and your eyes checked again, because your prescription lenses can be incorrect or outdated. In both cases, you should visit your optician or ophthalmologist.
Remember: self-tests must be considered as a simple aid to satisfy personal curiosity and not as an actual diagnosis.
Are there astigmatism glasses?
Yes, astigmatism can be easily corrected with glasses that mount single-vision toric lenses. Toric lenses are available both for glasses and contact lenses. They differ from those for simple myopia and hyperopia.
At Lentiamo you can find different types of lens materials and special coatings to suit your needs. An updated glasses prescription is all you need. Simply choose your favourite frame from our wide selection of models from the best eyewear brands, fill in your parameters (you can find them in your eye prescription) and wait for delivery!
What are the best contact lenses for astigmatism?
Toric lenses can correct both myopia and hyperopia at the same time as astigmatism. These lenses for astigmatism have three different parameters that are created with different angled curvatures.
The Power corrects myopia or hyperopia and the other two, Cylinder and Axis, correct astigmatism. These lenses have special features that allow them to remain in place and avoid shifting or rotating inside the eye, and thus have better stability in order to allow the incorrectly deviated meridians to fall correctly on the retina.
Looking for the right toric contact lenses for you?
A wide selection of lenses for astigmatism awaits you at Lentiamo!
Top manufacturers offer you daily and monthly lenses made of silicone hydrogel, extended wear lenses and UV filters.
