Astigmatism test online: Test yourself for astigmatism at home
Medically reviewed by Jakub Odcházel, DiS., Chief Optician, on 27 Jun 2024. Written by Maria Chiara Tarsia, Colin Asher
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Did you know that about 70% of all glasses wearers are astigmatic? Check your eyes for astigmatism now with our at-home test!
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a word you may have heard over the years, particularly in commercials, but do you actually know what it is?
Astigmatism is a common vision defect that causes difficulties in near and far vision, headaches, and blurry vision. 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.
Actually, an eye that has astigmatism has a different shape than a normal healthy eye.
Take a look at our infographic below:
Normally the cornea should appear spherical, with a shape that resembles a basketball. But when astigmatism occurs, it appears more squashed, like a rugby ball (and everyone knows rugby is worse for your head than basketball!)
How is astigmatism diagnosed?
An eye exam performed by an optician or an ophthalmologist can determine whether you suffer from astigmatism.
If you think you might have astigmatism and are considering making an appointment with an eye doctor, you can get a head-start by testing yourself at home.
How to test yourself for astigmatism online
You can use a simple self-test to check if you have astigmatism while you are waiting for your eye test appointment.
But remember: self-tests should be used as a simple tool to satisfy personal curiosity and not as an actual diagnosis.
The following type of astigmatism self-test is called a dial test. (Trust us, it has nothing to do with an old-school telephone).
How to use the dial 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.
How to understand the results
- 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glasses, you should have your glasses and your eyes checked again because your prescription lenses can be incorrect or outdated.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.
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
One salient symptom is that round objects can appear oval due to distortion. This is because the change of eyeball shape causes light to be refracted incorrectly. This distortion can cause our eyes and brain to correctively compensate and overexert themselves. Since our brain is the wonderfully subtle machine that it is, you might not even register this strain, but simply feel more tired than usual—at least until you 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
- Watery eyes
- Impaired vision at night
Can astigmatism get worse?
The bad news: Yes, especially if nothing is done to alleviate stress on the eyes.
The good news: According to researchers, astigmatism usually remains relatively stable until 50 years of age, only increasing progressively faster after 60. However, when these changes occur, it is likely that your prescription needs adjustment.
The reasons for a worsening can be congenital or due to trauma, dry eye syndrome, or bad habits such as excessive squinting or incorrect 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.
Correcting astigmatism with glasses
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 situation. You just need an updated glasses prescription. Simply choose your favorite frames from our wide selection of top eyewear brands, fill in your parameters (you can find them in your eye prescription) and wait for delivery!
Correcting astigmatism with contacts
Toric contact 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.
If you’re wondering whether to go for contacts or glasses to correct your astigmatism, keep in mind that contacts are typically used to correct more moderate forms of astigmatism. Another factor to consider is the daily activities you perform when using your eyewear.
Comments
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Also something to keep in mind an ophthalmologist will give you a plus number in your cylinder while a optometrist will give you a minus number and the difference between the axis numbers is typically 180° because they are looking at the different sides of your eye but the numbers will match in the end
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ReplyDear Brandon,
Thank you for your comment :)
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For seven years at least, I’ve had an astigmatism reading of about +2:in both eyes (though axis measurements seem to vary a lot). Last year the readings were minus 2. Is this likely? Has there been an error? Certainly I have felt the glasses were not quite right. Also should axis measurements vary too much? Thanks for any info!
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Dear John,
Thank you for your comment.
Astigmatism parameters may change over time, and there could be variations in axis parameters, though they should not change too frequently or significantly. The same applies to alterations in cylinder parameters. However, a shift from +2 to -2 is unlikely. We recommend consulting with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure the accuracy of your prescription.
It is also possible that you had a prescription for +2 cylinders for glasses and received a prescription with -2 cylinders for contact lenses. In this case, it is not a mistake, as prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses may appear different due to specific requirements.
Best regards,
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I think I have it because I can hardly see at night because of the lights having lines across them and it never stops
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Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
We always recommend going to a doctor to receive a correct diagnosis. It is important for us, that our articles motivate people to monitor their health and receive the needed treatment.
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I am 73yr age and have had an eye test last year and was told I have asytma in both eyes. Also had a cataract operation in right eye. Opticians havent told me before about the condition. I did notice on my last eye appointment that i had double vision in eye. I have now have glasses which correct this condition. Always had found it hard to see in the dark. My grandson also has the condition.
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Dear Diane,
Thank you for your email.
We are glad to hear that you now have the correct diagnosis!
Kind Regards.
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This blog is very helpful.
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Dear Hallandale,
Thank you for your comment.
We are pleased you find the blog helpful and informative.
Have a lovely day.
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I can see both from far and near ....The blurry vision only happens at times and it feels like there is another image distracting my vision , it only lasts for about 20 to 25 minutes then i have headache .....I dont know whats wrong with my eyes .....I used to experience this about 7 years ago but now its back again ...Please help me
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Dear Blessings,
Thank you for your comment.
Sadly, we would not be able to determine what the issue is as a medical check would be required to do so.
We advise you to contact your ophthalmologist for an eye check.
Kind Regards. -
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This may not be an eye problem; it could well fit a migraine where the vision is affected for some 20 to 30 minutes, and then a bad headache. I speak from experience.
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i’ve had 3 eye tests in 6 months and the astigmatism prescription is wrong every single time. I can clearly see the difference looking at your chart with and without the various glasses. I’d like to know how to use your sheet and extract the numbers needed to change the prescription myself save burning more money wasting time. This has been going on for 35 years. I want to do standup comedy but can’t drive at night.
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Dear George,
Thank you for your comment!
The article has only an informative character, it cannot be used as a full diagnostic test.
We understand your difficulties with the misdiagnosis. Sadly, in this case, it is only really possible to consult with an eye specialist who has more sophisticated diagnostic equipment.
Have a lovely day.
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I've had it sense I was born, will I ever be able to see normally?
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Dear Sage,
Thank you for your comment!
Sadly, we are not qualified enough to evaluate this situation.
If you have any questions about your eyes, please contact your eye specialist who is able to provide you with expert help.
Have a lovely day.
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HELLO, EXAMPLE YOU WEAR A ASTIGMATISM EYEGLASS BUT YOU'RE NOT ASTIGMATIC?
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Hello,
Thank you for your question.
Generally, one should not wear astigmatic contacts or glasses without the need for them.
If you do, you will experience headaches, dizziness and distorted vision, although the severity is dependent on how different the correction is from the prescription you require.
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I'm 17 years old and experienced astigmatism when I was 16. Is it normal? Can my astigmatism worsen when I reach 20 years of age? Is there any natural way to cure astigmatism?
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Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
Please consult an ophthalmologist who will be able to diagnose whether any astigmatism is present or not. He/ she will also be able to give you more information on what the next steps will be and if any treatment will be neccessary.
Kind Regards.
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What if I have astigmatism in only one eye .. do I need two separate types of lens?
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Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, in this case, you might need toric lenses for one eye and standard, single-vision ones for the other eye.
However, we strongly advise contacting your optician before selecting lenses.
Kind Regards.
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