How is astigmatism diagnosed?
Astigmatism can only be diagnosed with a thorough eye exam by your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Astigmatism may occur with other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Unfortunately, astigmatism sometimes goes undetected in school-age children.
Because astigmatisms may increase slowly, you should visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam once a year. Optometrists are trained specifically to determine and improve visual acuity with the prescription of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Ophthalmologists can provide total eye care, from examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and treatment of disease through medication and surgery.