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Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a very common, usually mild focusing error where the cornea or lens is curved more in one direction than another — a little more rugby-ball than football. It blurs or distorts vision at all distances and is easily corrected.
These are self-screening tools for general awareness, not a medical diagnosis. Screen brightness, colour calibration and room lighting all change what you see. See an optometrist or ophthalmologist for any real concern, for a proper eye test, and urgently if vision changes suddenly.
The fan or starburst chart
A screening chart for astigmatism shows radiating lines — a fan or starburst. To an eye with astigmatism, lines in one direction look sharper or darker than the ones at right angles to them. It is a classic quick screen, but only a hint.
Getting it corrected
Astigmatism is measured precisely during a normal eye test and corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses or, for some people, laser surgery. Because an online chart depends on your screen and viewing angle, treat any at-home result as a prompt to book a proper eye test, not a diagnosis.
Other eye checks
Colour vision (colour blindness)
How the dotted-plate colour test works, and what red–green colour vision deficiency actually is.
Contrast sensitivity
Not the same as sharpness — how well you tell subtle shades apart, which matters for night driving and fog.
Near vision and reading
Why small print gets harder from your forties, and what a reading check does.
The Amsler grid
A simple grid used to watch the central retina — wavy or missing lines are a reason to act.
Source: General optometry references. A screen-based check is not a diagnosis — see an optometrist or ophthalmologist. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
Is astigmatism serious?
For most people it is mild and simply corrected with glasses or contacts. It is worth an eye test if vision is blurred or you get eye strain and headaches from close work.
Can astigmatism get worse?
It can change gradually over time, which is one reason for regular eye tests. A sudden or rapid change should be checked promptly.
Feed your eyes as well as test them
TempoLife's food database shows the vitamin A and eye-friendly nutrients in your meals.