LASIK eye surgey is a popular laser vision correction procedure that correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, the transparent dome in front of the eye. LASIK surgery has changed the field of vision correction, offering patients the opportunity to achieve clearer vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts.
For those with astigmatism , LASIK offers an effective treatment. To understand how LASIK can fix astigmatism, it is essential to first understand what astigmatism is and how it affects your vision.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. This results in blurred or distorted vision at all distances, making it difficult for individuals to see objects clearly. Astigmatism can range from mild to severe and can be present alone or in combination with other refractive errors as myopia or hyperopia.
Symptoms of astigmatism
Astigmatism can cause a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity depending on the degree of astigmatism and other factors. Common symptoms include blurred or distorted vision at all distances, discomfort, headache, difficulty with Night Vision, redness of the eyelids margin and tearing. Persons with astigmatism may also try to improve vision by squinting, especially when trying to focus on distant objects.
Causes of astigmatism
- Corneal Astigmatism: when the cornea is irregularly shaped.
- Lenticular Astigmatism: when the lens is irregularly shaped.
Candidacy for LASIK with astigmatism
It is important to note that while LASIK is a highly effective treatment for astigmatism, not all patients may be suitable candidates for the procedure. Certain types of astigmatism, such as irregular astigmatism caused by corneal scarring or other eye conditions, may not be completely corrected with LASIK alone. Factors such as the severity of astigmatism, corneal thickness, and overall eye health may influence your eligibility for LASIK surgery. To be eligible for LASIK for astigmatism, you must meet certain requirements
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- Your vision must be stable
- Your vision prescription must be within certain limits
- Your eyes must be healthy
- Your cornea must have sufficient thickness
- You must be in good health
- You must have realistic expectations
If you are not eligible to LASIK surgery for astigmatism, you may still be eligible for LASIK alternatives such as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) for astigmatism or Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL). These LASIK alternative procedures can also effectively correct astigmatism and provide patients with clear vision.
How LASIK eye surgery works?
During LASIK surgery, a thin flap is created on the cornea using a handheld microkeratome blade in traditional LASIK or a femtosecond laser in All-laser LASIK. The flap is lifted and the underlying tissue is reshaped with the excimer laser to correct the refractive error. The flap is then replaced, and the cornea heals naturally, resulting in improved vision.
How LASIK can correct astigmatism?
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors. In the case of astigmatism, the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
For astigmatism correction, corneal laser reshaping; is performed in a manner that addresses the irregular shape of the cornea, making it more spherical to properly focus light on the retina, resulting in clear vision.
Customized LASIK treatments , such as wavefront-guided LASIK or wavefront-optimized LASIK, can provide tailored corrections based on each patient's unique eye characteristics. Unlike traditional LASIK, which corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism based solely on the patient's glasses prescription, customized LASIK takes into account the unique irregularities of the patient's cornea. This enables precise correction of astigmatism and other refractive errors with improved visual outcomes and fewer side effects.
How successful is LASIK for astigmatism
LASIK is safe and effective in correcting both low and high degrees of astigmatism with high success rates. The majority of patients experiencing significant improvement in their vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, so it's essential to discuss the benefits and potential complications with your eye surgeon before undergoing LASIK for astigmatism.
LASIK for astigmatism recovery
LASIK is known for its quick recovery time and minimal discomfort. The recovery time after LASIK for astigmatism can vary from person to person, but most patients experience significant improvement in their vision within the first few days after the procedure. Most Lasik patients can resume normal activities within a day or two after surgery. For the best results, it's important to follow your surgeon's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments for the best possible outcome.
If you are considering laser eye surgery for astigmatism , it is important to to know that your medical history, eyeglasses prescription, and other health factors are taken into consideration while determining your eligibility for laser eye surgery. You should consult your LASIK surgeon to discuss your specific needs and determine which vision correction procedure is right for you.