Astigmatism Correction Through Refractive Laser Surgery

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is the most common vision problem where vision is blurred at all distances. Like myopia and hyperopia, astigmatism is a refractive error. Having astigmatism does not mean that you have a health concern for your eyes; it simply causes light rays to focus not on a single point, but on two or more focal points. One’s cornea that does not have astigmatism is shaped like a basket ball where one with astigmatism is shaped more like a football.

Astigmatism Test

During one’s routine eye exam, astigmatism will be detected along with other refractive errors that are present. Your doctor will introduce a number of lenses for you to look through until your vision is clear, this is called retinoscopy. A manual procedure is also widely used to capture your astigmatism axis with automated instruments.

Whether by automated refraction or retinoscopy, your ophthalmologist or optometrist will detect your astigmatism prior to issuing a prescription or referring laser vision correction.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

Although these symptoms are not exclusive to astigmatism, Individuals with astigmatism may experience vision that is blurry or distorted. Astigmatism can also result in headaches and eyestrain. Many experience a higher rate of squinting when astigmatism is present.

People of all ages can be affected by this eye condition. Scheduling regular eye exams allow the ophthalmologists to detect astigmatism early.

Astigmatism Correction

There are many methods to correct astigmatism, from eye glasses to laser vision correction. Choosing the right treatment for you will depend on a number of factors, including your lifestyle, medical history, and degree of the refractive error. Technology has advanced in being able to correct astigmatism through refractive correction and an Advanced CustomVue laser vision correction created with wavescan technology is the best eye surgery option when astigmatism is present. Advanced CustomVue treatments are now able to treat challenging patients with mixed astigmatism. Astigmatism Correction is no longer only correctable with eyeglasses. It is important while searching for a laser vision correction doctor to choose one that offers the best eye surgery available when astigmatism is present.

The Basics: Learning About LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

Laser in situ keratomileusis, which means using a laser underneath a corneal flap (in situ) to reshape the cornea (keratomileusis), is more commonly known as Lasik surgery. This procedure has quickly become a widely recognized and available laser vision correction surgery option to correct many refractive errors. Refractive errors are what are experienced when the shape of the eye keeps you from focusing clearly. The cause could be the length of the eye, changes in the shape of the cornea or aging of the lens in the eye. The most common refractive errors are Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatisms, all of which can usually be corrected with eye surgery. An excimer laser is used to correct these refractive errors, limit the dependency of corrective lenses and improve one’s vision.

An ophthalmologist/optometrist will determine if you are a candidate for your procedure. Only after a thorough eye exam is performed can they determine your candidacy. Many things are taken into account: eye prescription history, current prescription/health of eyes, corneal thickness, pupil size, age and any previous refractive surgeries.

During your procedure your surgeon will create a flap in the cornea with either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. The flap will then be folded away from the cornea to allow the laser treatment to re-shape the cornea. Your current prescription will determine how the laser will re-shape the cornea to correct the refractive error then the corneal flap is gently placed back down into its original position. Your vision may be clearer but could be blurry the first couple of days after surgery, and you may need to adjust your work, activity or travel schedule or even clear your schedule after surgery to fully recuperate.

There are many advantages to laser vision correction. Many patients are extremely pleased with their Lasik Surgery results and often find a renewed sense of youth with their new vision. The benefits of corrective eye surgery are many, and include vision improvement, possibly discontinue relying on costly corrective eyewear and time consuming contact lenses, and broadened social, recreational, and career opportunities.