15 May Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?
Astigmatism refers to a refractive error caused by the dual curvature of the cornea. It is an extremely common vision problem that can be corrected in one of three ways: contact lenses, eyeglasses, or laser surgery.
What causes astigmatism?
This condition occurs when the eye’s front surface has an asymmetrical shape instead of the normal round shape. A cornea that has a round shape allows light to enter the eye as a single ray that is focused on one point of the retina at the back of the eye. When the ray hits this light-sensitive tissue, it creates a clear image.
However, in the case of astigmatism, the eye is shaped more like an oblong than a circle, which causes the light to enter the eye at not one, but two points. Because of this, the ray of light doesn’t focus on a single point when it gets to the retina, which results in vision that is blurry or fuzzy. [/vc_column_text]
Can laser surgery fix astigmatism?
Yes. Laser eye surgery can fix astigmatism. The process is simple. Ultra-precise lasers are programmed to make the front surface (cornea) of the eye more symmetrical by reshaping it. This effectively eliminates vision problems that are caused by this condition.
There are several laser vision-correction procedures that can be used to treat astigmatism and give you clearer vision: LASIK, SmartSurface TransPRK, and other laser treatments.
Each of these can be used in not only correcting astigmatism but also in correcting near or long-sightedness at the same time.
How laser for astigmatism works?
The way in which laser eye surgery corrects astigmatism is by removing a small amount of corneal tissue in order to correct the asymmetrical curvature of the cornea. This will result in the eye becoming more ‘round’ allowing the light to focus on a single point of the retina. This, in turn, will make your vision clearer.
However, it’s important to note that while most people who suffer from astigmatism are eligible for the surgery, not everyone meets the criteria. For instance, there are some cases where the patient’s refractive error is simply too irregular to allow laser surgery. A comprehensive examination by a laser eye surgeon will determine if this procedure is appropriate for you.
A lot of people who consider laser eye surgery for correcting astigmatism are concerned about whether or not the procedure is safe, and the answer to that is: Absolutely. If you want to know more about treating astigmatism using laser eye surgery, simply get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
This article is not a substitute for a consultation with your surgeon. Before choosing to proceed with laser eye surgery your surgeon will have a detailed discussion with you about the right procedure and about the potential complications.
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A unique mix of expertise, experience and international reputation, Dr Ron Binetter is the figure behind the Binetter Eye Centre. With more than two decades of hands-on experience in eye surgery, Dr Binetter is a specialist in cataract, lens implantation and laser eye surgery. Learn more about Dr Ron Binetter’s background and qualifications.