The Astigmatism test
What is it?
An astigmatism chart helps determine whether the curvature of your cornea or lens is normal. An abnormal curvature, usually more football-shaped than round, will sharply focus some portions of an image onto the retina while blurring others.
How do I do it?
- If you have contacts or glasses, wear them.
- Sit about 14 inches away from your computer screen.
- Cover one eye.
- Note how the lines and squares appear (for example, wavy or blurred).
- Test the other eye in the same manner.
What do my results mean?
To a normal eye, the lines will appear sharply focused and equally dark. If some sets of lines appear sharply focused and dark while others are blurred and less dark, you may have astigmatism. Regardless of your result, see your eye doctor on a regular basis for a complete eye exam.
