Who is at Risk?
Identifying the individuals who are at risk for developing or being born with astigmatism can be challenging due to the lack of understanding of its underlying cause among doctors. However, existing evidence suggests that certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing astigmatism. These factors include:
Diagnosing Astigmatism: What Methods do Doctors Use?
When it comes to diagnosing astigmatism, doctors employ a variety of techniques to accurately assess this visual condition. Typically, the diagnosis begins with a thorough examination of the eyes using direct light. If the doctor suspects the presence of astigmatism, they will proceed with conducting more comprehensive tests.
One common test is the visual acuity assessment, where the patient reads letters of different sizes from a chart. This evaluation helps determine the extent of the astigmatism. Additionally, doctors may utilize an optical refractor to ascertain whether wearing corrective lenses would improve the incorrect refraction of the eyes.
However, one of the most effective diagnostic tools for astigmatism is a keratometer. This device measures the curvature of the cornea, providing crucial information to the doctor in determining the severity of astigmatism.