Lily Miller You most likely have astigmatism if you are reading this article. And the short answer to the question of whether astigmatism can be treated with LASIK is yes. Below will give you everything you want to know.
Please continue reading for more information.
Table of Contents
What is Astigmatism?
The cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye, is affected by astigmatism, a very prevalent eye condition. Light cannot properly reach the retina if the cornea has an irregular shape. Whether you are nearsighted or farsighted, this causes blurred vision. Moderate to severe levels of astigmatism can also result in headaches and uncomfortable eyes because of the reduced ability to bend light appropriately. The ability of both eyes to refract light is further impacted when farsightedness or nearsightedness coexists with astigmatism. Astigmatism and LASIK are not compatible, despite what many patients have been told. Astigmatism can be treated with LASIK and PRK thanks to technology that has been around for more than ten years.
Can LASIK Fix My Astigmatism?
Yes, you can have LASIK with astigmatism, and our LASIK surgeons regularly correct astigmatisms. That’s the quick answer. People with astigmatism are now probably be great LASIK or PRK candidates because of the advances in technology over the last ten years. Providence Eye is able to offer patients with astigmatism excellent results because of the investments we have made in the most recent, cutting-edge, FDA-approved technology and the extensive training that our surgeons have in vision correction surgery. Don’t give up if your primary care physician informs you that having astigmatism prevents you from having LASIK. You can only be properly evaluated by a LASIK surgeon to find out if LASIK can treat your astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness.
Treatment for Astigmatism
Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, are typically effective treatments for astigmatism. In many people, the condition can also be treated successfully with Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery. With LASIK surgery, the cornea’s curvature is precisely reduced, enhancing vision and eliminating the need for corrective lenses.
Limits to LASIK for Astigmatism
As a result of the general corneal instability brought on by some corneal diseases, like keratoconus, a patient may develop astigmatism. As the corneal tissue weakens over time due to keratoconus, patients experience increasing astigmatism. Because it would endanger the already vulnerable corneal structure, neither LASIK nor PRK should be carried out in this particular instance.
How Effective is LASIK for Astigmatism?
So, does LASIK correct astigmatism? Typically, the answer is yes. Most cases of astigmatism can be successfully treated with LASIK if the astigmatism is the proper kind and falls within the treatment parameters. With the technology we employ in our practice, we can usually treat patients with severe astigmatism.
Are There Types of Astigmatism That LASIK Can’t Fix?
As LASIK only alters the cornea, it can only correct astigmatism of the cornea. There will be no impact on lenticular astigmatism.
Regular and irregular astigmatism are the two main types. This article has only discussed the regular subtype of astigmatism, which is the most prevalent. Astigmatism that is irregular is brought on by trauma to the eye or conditions that affect the cornea, including keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, and others. The use of LASIK is typically not an option for treating irregular astigmatism, which is more difficult to treat with refractive surgery.
Pros and Cons
Similar to having it done for nearsightedness or farsightedness, LASIK can be used to treat astigmatism.
You can change the shape of your cornea through LASIK surgery. There are some hazards present. However, the procedure’s advantages might outweigh its risks.
Pros
- Improved vision.
- Contact lenses or glasses may not be required.
Cons
- Dry eyes, blurry vision, poor night vision, glare in your eyesight, infection, and surgical complications are risks associated with the procedure.
- You might have to keep wearing contacts or glasses if your surgery is unsuccessful.
- If your vision changes over time, you might need to get more vision correction.
- The expenses of the elective procedure are frequently not covered by insurance or original Medicare.
After the procedure, some of the side effects you experience will eventually go away. To minimize potential side effects, your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions for healing after LASIK.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
To prepare for LASIK eye surgery, numbing eye drops are administered to keep you comfortable during the procedure. You can ask for medication if that would make you feel more at ease.
During the procedure, the eye doctor uses a specialized laser to create a thin, hinged flap of tissue in your outer cornea (the clear, protective front surface of the eye). The underlying tissue is then reshaped to the correct curvature using a second high-precision (excimer) laser based on measurements and data gathered during a preoperative 3-D eye scan. You may also receive correction for additional refractive eye errors, which may entail flattening or steepening the cornea to enhance vision, depending on whether you have any additional refractive eye errors.
Your eye doctor will reposition and close the corneal flap to finish the procedure once the shape of the eye has been adjusted. The wound will then gradually heal naturally.
How Safe is LASIK Eye Surgery?
The most common elective vision procedure in the United States is LASIK. and is considered a safe, quick, and highly effective type of surgery. Although there are potential risks with all surgical procedures, LASIK complications are uncommon. To ensure you get the best results, always follow your eye doctor’s recovery instructions, and contact them immediately if you have any questions or concerns.
What is the Recovery Like?
LASIK eye surgery requires little downtime, and you can typically return to work the following day. Patients typically find that the recovery period is brief with few side effects.
Although it may take up to three months after surgery for your vision to stabilize completely, once you’ve recovered, you’ll probably be able to see better than ever before, as the majority of patients have 20/20 or better vision.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
Depending on each patient’s unique eye condition, the treatment is tailored to them. You could be eligible for LASIK eye surgery if you:
- Have a stable vision prescription
- Have relatively healthy eyes, with no eye diseases
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are in good physical health
Your eye doctor will examine your medical history, complete a thorough preoperative eye examination to check the health of your eyes and provide precise information about your vision, and then decide whether you are a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. An ultra-precise scan is also used to provide a detailed 3-D map of your eye(s) and to create a correction plan that is personalized to your eyes.
Your eye doctor will help you decide if LASIK eye surgery is the best option for you after your consultation by going over realistic expectations with you.
When to Talk With a Doctor
No matter how you choose to handle a refractive eye condition like astigmatism, you should stay in touch with your doctor.
If you want to avoid wearing contacts or glasses, LASIK might be a good option. To discuss this with your doctor, you can schedule a separate appointment or bring it up during your yearly eye exam.
Following your LASIK procedure, consult with your doctor frequently. If you experience any uncomfortable or unexpected symptoms or negative vision changes, call your doctor.
Contact your doctor if you experience any additional symptoms so they can give you an idea of how your recovery will go.
The Bottom Line
LASIK surgery can be used to treat the eye condition known as astigmatism. It is a refractive eye condition brought on by an unusual corneal bend.
The effects of astigmatism can be reduced with LASIK surgery by altering the shape of your cornea.
If you’re interested in this procedure, discuss it with your doctor. With LASIK, you might be able to eliminate the need for eyewear like contacts or glasses and correct your vision.
