Your ophthalmologist at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, New York screens your vision for astigmatism and other eye conditions. But you have to submit to regular, comprehensive eye exams to get the benefit of early diagnosis. For thorough care of your eyes and overall health, visit the medical experts at Medex, which is a multi-specialty medical practice.
How astigmatism is tested
There’s no single test—it’s diagnosed using a combination of eye exams:
1. Visual acuity test
2. Refraction test
3. Keratometry
4. Corneal topography (advanced)
5. Autorefractor (screening)
What the results look like
Astigmatism is measured in:
Example:
Astigmatism: −1.75 D at 90°
Do you need treatment?
Treatment depends on severity and symptoms.
Options include:
Who should get tested?
You should get an astigmatism test if you:
-
Have blurry or distorted vision
-
Get frequent headaches or eye strain
-
Have trouble driving at night
-
Haven’t had an eye exam in 1–2 years
Can Astigmatism Be Prevented?
While astigmatism can’t be prevented, lifestyle choices contribute to good overall health and longevity. Choose healthy habits to have the best possible eye health. Tips include staying active and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Healthy lifestyle choices do prevent many eye disorders other than astigmatism. Reduce your risk to vision problems and even blindness, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Protect your eyes with sunglasses and visors or wide brims. Wear safety gear likes goggles to prevent sports-related or work-related eye injuries.
What Causes Astigmatism?
You develop astigmatism whenever the curvature of the lens inside your eye changes for any reason. Astigmatism may precede the development of cataracts. It may accompany other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Astigmatism usually is hereditary. It may be present from the time you’re born. On the other hand, it can develop after you’ve had eye surgery, an eye disease or an injury to your eye.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
If you have astigmatism, you probably notice that your vision is distorted or isn’t as clear as it was. Children who have astigmatism may not report any symptoms because they believe that’s the way the world looks. You may notice differences in the way you see as they occur. Some of the symptoms commonly associated with astigmatism include:
- Distorted or blurry vision
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Squinting
- Poor night vision
Symptoms can increase or decrease over time. While these symptoms may indicate astigmatism, they may also be signs of other eye disorders, such as:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Dry eyes
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic eye disease
- Retinal detachment
- Keratoconus
- Corneal disease
- Surfer’s eye
Only a trained ophthalmologist can determine the source of your eyesight issues. Visit your Queens ophthalmologist for a thorough evaluation of your eyes. Your doctor, in conjunction with other specialists, provide guidance for treating eye disorders, addressing their underlying causes and the associated consequences.
Diagnosing Astigmatism
During your eye exam, your ophthalmologist tests your visual acuity, using a variety of tests and devices to determine if you have astigmatism or another eye disorder. You’re asked to read letters on a chart or a virtual chart. Your specialist places a series of lenses in front of your eyes to determine how they focus light.
The primary instrument used to measure the curvature of your cornea is a keratometer. A corneal topographer provides additional detail regarding the shape of your cornea. The exact curvature is needed for fitting contact lenses.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
Glasses or contact lenses correct astigmatism by counteracting uneven curvature, adjusting the way light enters your eyes. An orthokeratology is a procedure that fits rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to your affected eye or eyes. You have to wear these lenses at night. They temporarily reshape your cornea, allowing vision correction without the need for glasses.
LASIK surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for astigmatism, particularly if you have dry eye or other conditions that make use of contact lenses or glasses difficult. Visit the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center to find an expert in LASIK surgery.
Get the Right Treatment Early
Untreated astigmatism reduces your quality of life because of blurry vision, eye strain and frequent headaches. Children with undiagnosed and untreated astigmatism may have trouble in school or participating in normal activities, such as sports.
Regular eye exams are an important part of proactive health care It’s also the best way to recognize eye problems when they first start. Get in touch with Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens for expert care of your eyes. As a multi-specialty practice, they can serve all your healthcare needs.
We can help you find a doctor. Call (718) 275-8900
Licensed by the state of New York, Medex is an Article 28 diagnostic and treatment center. Our physicians provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages in the Forest Hills, Queens area, for over 15 years. Start receiving expert care now by calling or scheduling an appointment online with one of the skilled specialists.
FAQs – Astigmatism Test and Treatment in Queens, NY
-
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, which leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
-
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
Symptoms include blurry vision, eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and difficulty seeing at night or reading for long periods.
-
How is astigmatism diagnosed?
Astigmatism is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam using tests like a visual acuity test, keratometry, and corneal topography to measure the shape of your cornea.
-
Can children have astigmatism?
Yes. Astigmatism can affect children as well as adults. Early eye exams are important to detect and correct it before it affects learning or development.
-
What causes astigmatism?
It is usually hereditary but can also result from eye injury, surgery, or conditions like keratoconus. Most cases are present from birth.
-
How is astigmatism treated?
Treatment options include prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses (including toric lenses), and refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK for eligible patients.
-
Is LASIK safe for treating astigmatism?
Yes. LASIK is a common and effective option for treating mild to moderate astigmatism in eligible patients. An ophthalmologist can determine if you’re a candidate.
-
Can astigmatism worsen over time?
Yes, astigmatism can change gradually, especially with aging. Regular eye exams are important to monitor vision changes and update prescriptions.
-
Can you have astigmatism and nearsightedness or farsightedness?
Yes. Astigmatism often occurs alongside nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), and your eye doctor can correct both with a single prescription.
-
Is astigmatism treatment covered by insurance in Queens, NY?
Routine eye exams and glasses may be partially covered, but elective procedures like LASIK are typically not. It’s best to check with your provider.
-
Does Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center offer astigmatism testing in Queens, NY?
Yes. At Medex in Queens, our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams to accurately diagnose and manage astigmatism.
-
Why choose Medex for astigmatism treatment in Queens, NY?
Medex offers personalized vision care, advanced diagnostic tools, and treatment options—including glasses, contacts, and specialist referrals—all in one convenient Forest Hills location.
