Age triples the incidence of astigmatism, records show. However, a new multifocal lens for cataract surgery corrects up to 3 degrees of refraction error. Not only the eyelids are drooping with age. The refractive errors also change. Myopia, difficulty seeing far down. The opposite is also true. What is the connection between ageing and astigmatism?
Not only the eyelids are drooping with age. The refractive errors also change. Myopia, difficulty seeing far down. The opposite is also true. Many people fail to see up close and remain hyperopic, regardless of presbyopia or eye strain that affects all people over 40 years of age. But is the lack of focus the biggest problem of refraction that comes with aging? According to Institute Leoncio Queiroz Neto scientist Penido Burnier, thereview of medical records of 1100 patients aged between 60 and 75 years shows that 418 (38%) have astigmatism. The prevalence increases as you get older. It reaches 51% of the population aged 70 to 75 years old. Among young people, he says, is only 10% to 15%.
The expert explained that hyperopia and astigmatism associated with aging result from a change in curvature of the cornea or lens. In the case of astigmatism this change makes pictures look blurry near and far. "The heaviness of the eyelids, the sum of minor trauma such as rubbing or scratching the eyes as well as allergic and inflammatory processes may be related to the change in curvature of the cornea," he says.
