Children or others who cannot respond to a normal refraction
test can have their refraction measured by a test that uses
reflected light (retinoscopy). Mild astigmatism may not need to
be corrected. Glasses or contact lenses will correct
astigmatism, but do not cure it. Laser surgery can help change
the shape of the cornea surface to eliminate astigmatism, along
with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Astigmatism may change
with time, requiring new glasses or contact lenses. Laser vision
correction can usually eliminate, or greatly reduce,
astigmatism. In children, uncorrected astigmatism in only one
eye may cause amblyopia. Calling your health care provider Call
for an appointment with your health care provider or
ophthalmologist if vision problems worsen, or do not improve
with glasses or contact lenses. Olitsky SE, Hug D, Plummer L,
Stass-Isern M. Abnormalities of refraction and accommodation.
In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson
Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: