Health encyclopaedia

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Diagnosis of Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, an optometrist, ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist should carry out a full eye exam to fully assess the extent of the problem. 

They may do a test called a retinoscopy and may use a keratometer or keratoscope. A keratometer measures the amount of reflected light from the surface of your cornea. A keratoscope can measure the degree of distortion of the surface of the cornea and lens by projecting light rings onto the cornea and can provide information about the degree of astigmatism. A keratoscope can be fitted with a video camera, which is called a videokeratoscope.

Once the degree of astigmatism is identified, corrective action can be taken.

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