Developed an Astigmatism

[Butterflyhandle]

Hi.

I'm 44 years old and never worn glasses. Lately I've been having some issues with my eyes so went to an optician.

They've diagnosed me with an astigmatism and now need glasses for concentrated work whether that's long or short distance.

I've looked online and it says that most astigmatisms are from birth (my son has them in both eyes) or that they can develop in later life after eye surgery, disease or injury to which I've not had anything.

Normal???

Happened to me after mild Covid, I'm working with a Brock String ( £10 on Amazon) to try and align both eyes.

I think its normal. I had to get glasses around age 35 because of astigmatism when previously my vision was fine. No injuries or anything. It's just aging, it does tend to get a little bit worse every few years.

Astigmatism is caused by the shape of your eye, doing exercises to improve convergence won't help.

And yeah I think it's probably not that weird to develop astigmatism, I used to only have a tiny bit in one eye but now I have quite a bit in both. Maybe you already had it a tiny amount, and it's just worsened to the point where it's affecting your vision?

Astigmatism is completely normal - 90% of the population have astigmatism. All it means is that your eye (cornea) is not symmetrical. It a bit like your face not being symmetrical on both sides- normal!

Do you mean strabismus/squint?

Probably the wrong word, I'm being bounced around by the optician, neurology and the eye clinic.
It was originally an astigmatism, eye clinic recommended the string thing.

Neurology said a squint yesterday 🤷‍♀️

@Butterflyhandle

i used to have excellent eyesight, to the point opticians would comment on it.

I'm in my 50's now & got glasses just as lockdowns started. They have to flatten my glasses because of the astigmatism.

I'm diabetic, so that might have 'caused' it, but my retinopathy is always ok, they said it was just an age thing. 🤦🏻‍♀️

from what they said & threads on here, it's seems pretty normal/common.

@FistFullOfRegrets yes, it does increase due to age - but again small amounts absolutely normal

@underneaththeash

Hi. I meant to ask you on a thread the other day, but got distracted 🤣

How do I find a GOOD optician?
TIA

I've had very hight astigmatism from birth (6 diopters) . I don't wear glasses all day long

Thanks. I've maybe always had it and it's only just got noticeable now that my eyesight has deteriorated.

It's normal. I wear glasses for focused work - reading, computer, cinema. My sight is fine except the astigmatism. Didn't wear glasses until 25yrs old. Now in 30s and I wear them most of the day!