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Posted on: 19 December 2023

Taking care of our eyesight is important for our overall health and well-being, and one way we can do this is through annual eye exams. However, for those with astigmatism, the thought of an eye exam can be daunting. In this blog post, we will walk you through what to expect during an adult routine eye exam and provide helpful tips for those with astigmatism.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common eye condition where the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, is shaped irregularly. This causes blurry or distorted vision and can affect people of all ages. During an eye exam, your doctor will check for astigmatism by performing a series of tests.

Starting the Exam

The first step of an eye exam typically measures your visual acuity, or how clearly you can see. Your doctor will ask you to read letters on a chart while standing a certain distance away. If you have astigmatism, you may find it difficult to read the letters clearly, which is why it's important to let your doctor know about any vision problems you have beforehand.

Diagnosing Astigmatism

Your doctor will then use a device called a phoropter to help determine your visual prescription. This involves looking through different lenses while reading letters on a chart to see which lens gives you the clearest vision. For those with astigmatism, your doctor will carefully fine-tune the prescription to correct the irregularly shaped cornea.

Additional Tests

Your doctor may also perform additional tests to check for other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts. These tests may involve dilating your pupils with eye drops to get a better look inside your eye. While uncomfortable, these tests can help catch any problems early on and prevent long-term damage to your vision.

After the Exam

Once your eye exam is complete, your doctor will discuss the results with you and recommend any next steps. If you have astigmatism, you will likely be prescribed corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, to help you see more clearly.

Regular eye exams are an important part of maintaining good vision, especially for those with astigmatism. However, there's no need to feel intimidated by the process. By knowing what to expect during an adult routine eye exam, you can feel more comfortable and confident during your appointment. So schedule your next eye exam, and take an important step towards protecting your eyesight.

Schedule an adult routine eye exam today.