Optometrist: suddenly I have astigmatism??

[hastiest]

I'm looking to get contacts for the first time but my recent visit to the optometrist has left me a little perplexed. I've never been told I have astigmatism before (I'm 26; have worn glasses for fifteen years) but this new guy seems to think I do. As I'm sure you guys are aware this makes the contacts a little more expensive, so not ideal.

Any ideas how I might have been unaware of this until now? Is it possible it's just not been mentioned before because it's only relevant now I'm getting contacts? Is there any way to double check or do I just take it at face value?

Input appreciated.
H

 

[Iron Woode]

you can be asymptomatic and, thus, never know.

I have astigmatism because my eye doctor ran a bunch of tests to check for it. I never realized that my vision was getting worse until a year or so ago.

I have glasses now which have made a big difference in my vision.

 

[Brainonska511]

I used to have enough astigmatism that it had to be corrected in my lenses and contacts, but a few years ago, it seemed to have gone away and I don't need that correction anymore. Sometimes, it's also mild enough that you can get by with it being uncorrected.

Do you not trust the results of the eye doctor? Surely, he ran a vision test - usually the red/green, which is sharper one, to test for astigmatism, followed by testing your prescription. Did adding the correction help your vision?

 

[Viper GTS]

It's also possible that it could be early stages of something like keratoconus though you are a little old for onset of that. Worth looking at at least.

From your post it sounds like you think they are trying to get extra money from you, this seems extraordinarily unlikely.

Viper GTS

 

[hastiest]

Just to clarify I'm not at all suspicious of him looking to get more out of me. I was just a taken aback, especially at I've learnt it's congenital so I must have had it since birth.

Yes that's right he did do a red/green test and I do remember having those before. The "new prescription" he announced at the end did seem very clear. I suppose the only thing going is to try a number of lenses and decide which ones are effective and comfortable. Price will have to be a bit of an afterthought really.

I'm not sure that I do have the early onset of anything. They took photos of the insides of my eyes and after lots of tests stated my eyes are medically healthy, if not perfect in terms of functionality! Nonetheless I'll go and have a look at the symptoms just to be sure.

 

[hastiest]

*even if they're NOT perfect.....

 

[Viper GTS]

Mine was missed by optometrists, it took going to a corneal specialist to be finally diagnosed. It's not something to worry about really - You can't do anything about it. But if your prescription keeps changing and astigmatism keeps worsening I'd be looking beyond an optometrist for answers.

Viper GTS

 

[CA19100]

With contacts, mild astigmatism can be corrected with a slightly stronger prescription, rather than the more expensive "toric" contact lenses that can correct for astigmatism. You might ask the optometrist if that's an option; I used those for many years, but eventually started to get headaches from the prescription getting too strong.

Finally, I went with the toric lenses that have done well for me, though they're about 40% more expensive per box. I've tried a few different brands, but have been happiest with the Biofinity Toric lenses from Cooper Vision. I take them out and clean them with Clear Care every night, and replace them after two weeks of wear.

 

[Imp]

I think my Toric contacts are a $20 premium on regular lenses. I tried the stronger prescription at first but couldn't stand the blurriness and ended up just wasting money on the regulars.

Like how bad is this suddenly discovered astigmatism?

 

[John Connor]

Well, did you see the letters? Is your eye shaped different? They would have shown you that. I have just discovered that I have astigmentism.