Not only the eyelids are drooping as people get older but incidence of astigmatism also increases, records show.

According to Penido Burnier, scientist of the Institute Leoncio Queiroz Neto of Brazil, the review of medical records of 1100 patients aged between (60 and 75) years old shows that 418 patients (38 percent) have astigmatism.

The prevalence increases as you get older. It reaches 51 percent of the population aged (70 to 75) years old. Among young people, he says, is only 10 to 15 percent.

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.

The good news for those who have astigmatism is the advent of the new toric multifocal lens. This is because the implant corrects up to 3 degrees of astigmatism without any additional instruments, he says.

To prevent the development of astigmatism the main tip is to not rub or scratch your eyes.