Astigmatism can be a challenging condition when it comes to vision correction. But with the advancement of LASIK eye surgery, many people wonder if this procedure can correct their vision if they have astigmatism. The short answer is yes, but it’s a bit more complex than simply treating nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you’re curious about how LASIK interacts with astigmatism and what factors might affect your eligibility, read on to learn more.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round, it might be more football-shaped, causing light to scatter unevenly when it enters the eye. This irregularity can lead to blurry or distorted vision at any distance. While astigmatism is a common refractive error, its severity varies from person to person. Minor astigmatism can often be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but more severe cases may require additional intervention, such as LASIK surgery.
How Does LASIK Correct Astigmatism?
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular refractive surgery that can correct vision problems by reshaping the cornea. When it comes to astigmatism, LASIK can smooth out the irregularities on the surface of the cornea to allow light to enter the eye properly, resulting in clearer vision.
However, LASIK for astigmatism is more complicated than for someone who is just nearsighted or farsighted. In order to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, your eye doctor will conduct several specialized tests, including topography scans. These scans map the front surface of your eye to detect any irregularities, such as corneal disorders, that could impact the outcome of the surgery.
Understanding Corneal Disorders and LASIK
A corneal disorder can make the front surface of your eye irregular and significantly affect how light refracts within the eye. If you have a corneal disorder in addition to astigmatism, this can make LASIK more challenging. Your doctor will carefully assess the shape of your cornea during your evaluation.
In cases where a corneal disorder is present, the standard LASIK procedure may not be recommended. Special precautions, including additional follow-ups, are needed to monitor healing and ensure the surgery is safe and effective. In some instances, a different type of vision correction surgery might be better suited to address both astigmatism and corneal irregularities.
Can Everyone with Astigmatism Get LASIK?
While LASIK can correct many cases of astigmatism, it’s not for everyone. If you have a high degree of astigmatism or other eye conditions, you might not be an ideal candidate for the procedure. During the pre-surgical evaluation, your eye care professional will take topography scans to assess whether the shape of your cornea can safely be altered by LASIK.
Patients with very high levels of astigmatism may be advised against LASIK. In these situations, other vision correction options, such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or customized contact lenses, may be better suited. However, for most people with mild to moderate astigmatism, LASIK can be an excellent way to achieve clearer vision.
The Importance of Proper Follow-Ups
LASIK is a precise procedure, but like any surgery, it requires close monitoring after the fact. If you have astigmatism, regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure your eyes are healing correctly and that your vision is improving as expected. Your doctor may recommend additional treatments or specialized vision correction lenses if any complications arise.
These follow-up visits allow the surgeon to catch any potential issues early and make adjustments if necessary. Astigmatism can sometimes present more challenges during the healing process, making ongoing care essential to achieving the best results.
Conclusion
LASIK is a viable option for many people with astigmatism, but it requires careful consideration and thorough testing. If you have a minor degree of astigmatism, LASIK could be the solution you’re looking for to improve your vision. However, those with higher levels of astigmatism or corneal disorders may need to explore alternative vision correction methods.
If you’re considering LASIK for astigmatism, your first step should be a consultation with an experienced eye care professional who can assess your specific condition. Contact Art of Optiks today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about your options.
