It’s a basic test that requires no special equiptment to complete and could show if you have a common eye condition
Most Brits fail to look after their eyes, missing routine check-ins to ensure their vision doesn’t start to get worse. An optician can help point out signs and symptoms of health problems before they get significantly worse.
There are quick tests you can do at home which could help determine if you’re eyesight isn’t at its best. One test could figure out if you have a common condition that almost half of all British people who wear glasses have.
Some have no idea they have this problem until it’s pointed out by a professional. It can often be brushed off due to annoying symptoms that can wrongly be put down to the stresses of daily life.
Known as the astigmatic dial, the test is very simple and takes seconds to complete. All you need to do is stare directly at the centre of the circle with one eye covered and watch out for any changes.
According to the professional, any lines that become bolder or blurrier than the beginning could be a sign that you have astigmatism.
What is astigmatism?
According to the NHS website, this is actually a fairly common condition that is easily treatable. It means your eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football which causes light to be more concentrated in one place.
This leads to things like blurred vision and can cause headaches or eye strain. Most people with astigmatism will also develop some form of short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
You can either be born with the irregularly-shaped eye, which is the most common case for astigmatism patients. However, it can develop later in life but this is usually the result of an injury, disease or surgical complications, according to Optimax.
Possible ways that can help reduce symptoms of astigmatism include glasses, contact lenses and laser surgery. If you feel like you need to go down this route, it is best to speak with an optician.
