Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors that affect millions of people across the globe, leading to blurred, distorted vision, particularly at certain distances. If you have been diagnosed with astigmatism, you may be wondering if laser eye surgery could be a viable solution to correct your vision. The good news is that, in many cases, laser eye surgery can effectively treat astigmatism and provide long-lasting results.
In this detailed article, we will delve deeper into astigmatism, how laser eye surgery works, the eligibility criteria for undergoing the procedure, and the potential risks and benefits involved. Additionally, we will explore some important statistics and discuss why laser eye surgery can be an essential treatment for people with astigmatism.
Understanding Astigmatism: What Is It and How Does It Affect Your Vision?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the transparent, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye) or the lens inside the eye is not perfectly round. Instead of having a symmetrical, spherical shape, the cornea or lens is more oval or irregular, resembling the shape of a rugby ball. This irregular shape prevents light from being focused evenly on the retina, the light- sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As a result, light rays scatter rather than coming to a single point of focus, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
Types of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can occur in different parts of the eye, and understanding the types of astigmatism is essential in determining the best treatment options.
There are two primary types:
- Corneal Astigmatism: This occurs when the cornea has an uneven curve, causing the light entering the eye to be refracted incorrectly. This is the most common type of astigmatism and is often treatable with laser eye surgery.
- Lenticular Astigmatism: In this case, the shape of the lens inside the eye is irregular, which can also result in distorted vision. While laser eye surgery typically targets the cornea, in some cases, lenticular astigmatism may require a different approach.
Common Symptoms of Astigmatism
Some of the most common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurred or Distorted Vision: This is the hallmark of astigmatism and can affect vision at all distances—near, far, or intermediate.
- Eye Strain: Individuals with astigmatism may experience discomfort or tiredness in their eyes, particularly when reading, using a computer, or engaging in tasks that require focus.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches, especially after prolonged visual tasks, are common among people with undiagnosed or uncorrected astigmatism.
Can You Have Laser Eye Surgery with Astigmatism?
Now that we’ve discussed what astigmatism is, the question remains: can laser eye surgery correct this condition?
The answer is yes—laser eye surgery can be an effective and safe way to treat astigmatism for many people. In fact, laser procedures have revolutionized the treatment of refractive errors, making it possible for individuals to enjoy clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
How Laser Eye Surgery Works
Laser eye surgery refers to a variety of surgical procedures that use lasers to reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The goal is to change the shape of the cornea to allow light entering the eye to be correctly focused on the retina, improving vision.
The most commonly performed laser eye surgery procedures are:
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): In this popular procedure, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea. The laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue, correcting the irregular curvature. The flap is replaced, and the eye heals quickly.
- LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy): In LASEK, a thin layer of the cornea’s outer surface (the epithelium) is gently lifted, rather than being fully removed. The laser reshapes the corneal tissue underneath, and the epithelial layer is repositioned after the treatment. LASEK is often preferred for individuals with thinner corneas or those who may not be suitable for LASIK.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): SMILE is a newer, minimally invasive laser procedure that involves creating a small incision in the cornea. The laser is used to remove a tiny piece of corneal tissue, which reshapes the cornea and corrects astigmatism.
Laser Eye Surgery and Astigmatism
Laser eye surgery works by reshaping the cornea to correct its irregular curvature. In individuals with astigmatism, the goal is to make the cornea more spherical so that light can focus more precisely on the retina. In most cases, laser surgery provides excellent outcomes, even for individuals with moderate to high degrees of astigmatism.
Modern laser systems are highly precise and can correct significant degrees of astigmatism. Whether you have a mild, moderate, or severe case of astigmatism, a skilled surgeon can tailor the treatment to your individual needs, increasing the likelihood of achieving optimal results.
The Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism
Laser eye surgery offers a range of benefits for people with astigmatism:
- Precision: The advanced laser technology used in LASIK, PRK, and SMILE procedures allows for highly precise corrections, even for individuals with higher degrees of astigmatism.
- Long-lasting Results: Once the cornea has been reshaped, the results are typically permanent. However, age-related changes in the eyes may affect vision over time.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients experience a significant improvement in vision within a day or two, with minimal discomfort. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks to months, depending on the procedure.
- Freedom from Glasses and Contact Lenses: One of the most significant advantages of laser eye surgery is that it can reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses, offering greater freedom and convenience.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Clearer vision, reduced eye strain, and the ability to engage in various activities without relying on glasses or contacts can significantly improve overall quality of life.
Am I Eligible for Laser Eye Surgery with Astigmatism?
While laser eye surgery is an excellent solution for many individuals with astigmatism, not everyone is a suitable candidate for the procedure. Several factors must be considered to determine whether laser eye surgery is the right choice for you.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Degree of Astigmatism: Mild to moderate astigmatism is usually correctable with laser surgery. For high degrees of astigmatism, the surgeon may recommend specialized treatments or alternative procedures.
- Corneal Thickness: Adequate corneal thickness is essential for performing LASIK surgery safely. If the cornea is too thin, PRK or SMILE may be better alternatives.
- Stable Prescription: Your prescription should have been stable for at least one year before undergoing surgery. This ensures that your eyes are no longer changing and that the surgery will have lasting effects.
- Overall Eye Health: Candidates must be free from active eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome or infections. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, may not be suitable candidates.
- Age: Most patients are over 18 years of age, as the eyes typically stabilize in their late teens or early twenties.
The Laser Eye Surgery Procedure: What to Expect
If you are a candidate for laser eye surgery to correct astigmatism, here is a step-by- step overview of what you can expect during the process.
1. Pre-Surgery Evaluation
Before the surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive eye exam. This exam will assess the shape and thickness of your cornea, your refractive error, and your overall eye health. During this consultation, your surgeon will discuss your expectations, answer any questions, and determine which laser technique is best suited to your needs.
2. The Surgery
Laser eye surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. The procedure is quick and usually takes between 15-30 minutes per eye, depending on the technique used. Numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you feel no pain during the surgery. However, some patients may experience mild pressure or discomfort.
3. Recovery
Most people notice an improvement in their vision within 24-48 hours after the procedure. However, full recovery can take a few weeks, with some patients experiencing mild dryness, irritation, or sensitivity to light during the early stages of healing. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure your eyes are healing properly.
Risks and Limitations of Laser Eye Surgery
While laser eye surgery is generally safe, like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks and limitations. Potential complications include:
- Under or Overcorrection: In rare cases, the surgery may not fully correct the astigmatism, requiring further treatment.
- Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness is common but usually resolves with the use of prescribed eye drops.
- Glare or Halos: Some patients report experiencing glare or halos around lights, especially at night, during the early stages of recovery.
- Regression: In some cases, the benefits of surgery may regress slightly over time, but this is rare.
Alternatives to Laser Eye Surgery
For those who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, there are other treatment options for astigmatism:
- Toric Contact Lenses: Specially designed contact lenses that correct astigmatism by compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea.
- Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL): A lens is implanted inside the eye, offering a permanent solution without altering the cornea. This procedure is capable of treating a wide range of astigmatic errors, including extreme astigmatism, providing a long-lasting vision correction option.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): This involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) that corrects astigmatism. This procedure can also treat a wide range of astigmatic errors, offering a lasting solution for improved vision.
Conclusion:
Laser eye surgery is a highly effective and proven treatment option for those with astigmatism. Not only can it help correct blurry or distorted vision, but it can also improve your overall quality of life by reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. With modern advances in laser technology, even high levels of astigmatism can be treated with precision and minimal discomfort.
However, it’s essential to undergo a thorough evaluation with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine your eligibility and to choose the most appropriate treatment for your unique needs. If you are struggling with astigmatism, laser eye surgery may be the key to achieving clearer, sharper vision.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact our clinic today. Let us help you take the first step towards a life of clearer vision and greater freedom.