HI, I have not been on the forum for a very long time, and I have missed it.
I am suffering from convergence, vision problems. I had to give up knitting, because it caused me such eye strain headaches. I am just sick about it. I have come to terms that I need to give up knitting, sadly. I have always enjoyed it, so soothing, I miss it.
Haven’t picked up a knitting needle in probably a year.
So, my question, is there anyone else out there that had this problem or has had it. Convergence has to do with the eyes no longer focusing correctly causing eye strain. In my case they lead to migraine headhaches, no fun all around.
I am at the point now where I am thinking of selling all my knitting needles and yarn that I have in my stash. As you can tell, I have been putting this off, but I think unless I hear from someone who has experience with this, I may just have to give up knitting.
Thank you for listening, comments welcome, thank you Mare
What does your eye doctor say?
I just looked at your photo album. Amazing!
Thank you Sheri.
The eye doctor told me I have convergence. They see it alot in young people now, using hand held games is a cause of it as well. I think knitting may cause it because you are focusing for long periods of time on needle and yarn and your eye muscle weakens.
There is no medical treatment for it. That is why I was wondering if others have suffered from it.
Before you sell all your knitting supplies have you checked on line for any info about convergence insufficiency? I looked briefly and found this - “Fortunately, in most cases, convergence insufficiency is very amenable to orthoptics and vision therapy.”
Perhaps another opinion is warranted from an ophthalmologist? I’d never alter my activities on the suggestion of one individual especially one who offers no possible options. Not in this lifetime baby!
Jean
P.S. Maybe you could be satisfied knitting with big,fat needles and bulky yarns that wouldn’t require such close work or as much eye convergence? There are probably more solutions if you are really determined. Good luck.
Jean
Hi! I have vision problem myself (called recurring optic neuritis) I’ve just started knitting again… only ever made scarves because more months of the year than not I’m not able to see near or far. Now i’ve decided I’ll hurry and do as many projects in as short a time as possible in order to finish, In 2 weeks I made slippers and a handbag… I’m not able to knit for long but am not givig up! I’m now on a Adagio Shawl and need help with pattern. the more help I can get the better so please don’t give up!!! Just accomplish what you can :woot:
Take care!!! 
Thank you ladies for your replys. The problem with trying to knit for a short period of time, is I don’t even know that in that amount of time I have already caused eye strain, and then by morning it turns into a migraine headache.
The only cure I have heard of is, doing a home treatment by bringing a pencil close into your eyes until they focus, doing this everyday is suppose to strengthen the focus muscles.
Hi, Marilynn! :waving:
Perhaps 25 years ago I got hold of a pair of eyeglasses that were supposed to strengthen the eye’s ability to focus. They were black plastic frames with a black lens that had small holes over all. When you put them on you could see perfectly well out of the little hole (or holes) but it forced your eyes to focus and thereby strengthened the eye muscles.
I used them for awhile and then stopped when I felt my eyes had strengthened. If you could get a pair (after all this time I don’t remember what they’re called) and then used them perhaps just while knitting, you might find this handles the situation.
I looked at your album and I absolutely love the wonderful work you’ve done. Please don’t give up and continue trying out various things to handle your problem rather than give up what you’re creating so beautifully.
There are many helpful things out there if you look thoroughly. And remember that even blind knitters still manage to knit. I’m to the point now that I don’t have to look at my hands or the piece I’m knitting most of the time if it’s a simple stitch like stockinette. That might help, too, if you get used to not having to focus continually on the piece you’re knitting.
Best of luck and please keep looking for a way to continue your beautiful work!
Hugs,
Ruthie
Marilynn, From what I’ve found online the “pencil” exercises are the least effective therapy. Your eye Dr. should have info available for office therapy or prism glasses. If he can’t provide it find one who can. You deserve at least an attempt at improving.
As I said before, you sometimes have to look for answers yourself. Maybe check in your nearest big city. It’s definitely time to ask lots of questions. Be a pest if you have to. I believe there’s help for you but you’ll have to be your own advocate.
Jean
I am an eye doctor and I just started knitting. I can understand how convergence problems could make knitting difficult. If you haven’t seen your eye doctor yet, you should. Tell him/her that you want to knit but can’t because it caused headaches due to your convergence problems. There are things that can be done to strengthen the eye muscles (depending on age) to improve convergence or you can have prism put in your glasses to alleviate the strain. You have options.