Clarifying Vision: Can Laser Eye Surgery LASIK Fix Astigmatism?

Can laser eye surgery LASIK fix astigmatism? Absolutely! LASIK, one of the most advanced laser eye surgery techniques, is designed to reshape the cornea and correct the refractive error that causes astigmatism. This article will guide you through how LASIK works, its success rate in treating astigmatism, and what you need to consider when assessing your eligibility for the procedure.

Key Takeaways

• Astigmatism is a common refractive error due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision, which can be measured in diopters and diagnosed through an eye exam.
• LASIK eye surgery is a highly effective treatment for astigmatism with a high success rate, where lasers are used to correct the corneal curvature and improve vision, often resulting in quick recovery and high patient satisfaction.
• Candidacy for LASIK depends on factors like age, vision stability, eye and overall health. LASIK can correct astigmatism very well, and those not suitable for LASIK can explore alternatives such as glasses, contact lenses, or other laser vision correction procedures.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism, with global prevalence rates from 8 to 62%, is a common eye condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. This irregularity results in a refractive error, impeding correct light focusing on the retina. The varying degrees of astigmatism are categorised by diopters, where a perfect eye would have 0 diopters of astigmatism. Cases under 1.00 diopter are considered mild, while those between 2.00 to 3.00 diopters or more are deemed significant.

Astigmatism presents in various forms, including regular and irregular types. Regular astigmatism is further divided into with-the-rule, against-the-rule, and oblique, while the refractive error can be classified as myopic (nearsightedness), hyperopic (farsightedness), or mixed astigmatism. Grasping these classifications aids in diagnosing and treating this eye condition.

Causes of Astigmatism

The main cause of Astigmatism is an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, resulting in an oval rather than a perfect round shape. This irregular shape results in light focusing unevenly on the retina, causing only part of an object to be in focus at one time, and thus leading to blurred or distorted vision.

Various factors can contribute to astigmatism. Apart from natural differences in shape, astigmatism can also be induced by injury or trauma to the eye, which may alter the curvature of the cornea or lens.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

While Astigmatism impacts individuals differently, some common symptoms should be noted. These include:

• Blurred vision
• The need to squint to see clearly
• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Difficulty seeing at night

The blurry vision, a result of the mismatched curves of the cornea or lens, may occur at all distances.

In some cases, astigmatism may be accompanied by:

• Severe headaches
• Eye strain caused by the effort to focus on blurry images
• Difficulties with night vision, especially when driving in low-light conditions

These symptoms should not be ignored and warrant a visit to an eye specialist for a comprehensive eye examination.

Diagnosing Astigmatism

To diagnose astigmatism, a thorough eye examination is required, which is a vital step to evaluate eye health and the degree of astigmatism. 

A perfect eye would have 0 diopters of astigmatism. To keep tabs on your eye health, adults between 40 and 54 should have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years, while those over 55 should have an exam every 1 to 3 years.

For school-age children, it’s recommended to have their eyes checked before starting school, with subsequent exams every one or two years.

LASIK Eye Surgery for Astigmatism

After diagnosing astigmatism, LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective remedy. LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, corrects the curvature of the corneal tissue using an excimer laser, enhancing visual acuity and addressing the irregular curvature related to astigmatism. In addition to LASIK, laser surgery options such as laser cataract surgery are available for those seeking eye surgery solutions.

The success rate of LASIK for astigmatism is quite high, with studies reporting a 99.5% success rate for patients. Moreover, recovery time following LASIK surgery is typically quick, with most people experiencing clear vision within 24 hours after the procedure and full visual recovery within days.

How LASIK Works

Two distinct types of lasers are employed in the LASIK procedure. A femtosecond laser is used to create a small flap in the cornea, while an excimer laser is employed to reshape the cornea and address vision correction. The reshaping process is crucial as it alters the cornea’s curvature, leading to a correction in the way light is refracted onto the retina, and, consequently, clearer vision.

The LASIK procedure is:

• Quick and relatively painless, typically taking less than 15 minutes to complete
• Following the surgery, patients experience minimal discomfort
• Overall patient satisfaction is typically very high.

Benefits of LASIK for Astigmatism

Several benefits accompany LASIK surgery for astigmatism. For one, it provides long-term vision improvement by correcting the irregular shape of the cornea, with most individuals achieving 20/20 vision. This means you can enjoy clear vision without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.

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Determining Your Candidacy for LASIK

Though LASIK effectively treats astigmatism, note that the procedure is not suitable for everyone. Several factors can affect your LASIK candidacy, including:

• Age
• Prescription stability
• Eye health
• Overall health

Knowing these factors can be beneficial in determining whether LASIK is right for you. It can also help you set realistic expectations and prepare adequately for the procedure, enhancing your chances of a successful outcome.

Age and Vision Stability

One of the primary considerations for LASIK candidacy is age. The minimum age requirement for LASIK surgery is 18 years. Age is a crucial factor in determining candidacy for LASIK surgery because adults between 19 to 40 tend to have optimal eye conditions for LASIK.

Equally important is vision stability. Having a stable vision prescription for at least one year prior to the procedure is crucial. Any diopter change of less than +/-0.50 can be considered stable enough for LASIK.

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Eye Health and Overall Health

Eye health is another major consideration for LASIK candidacy. Prior to the procedure, a comprehensive evaluation, which includes an assessment of eye health, is conducted to ascertain the suitability of LASIK for the patient.

Certain other health issues such as:

• autoimmune diseases
• chronic pain conditions
• depression
• diabetes

can make a patient ineligible for LASIK surgery. Hence, it’s crucial for individuals to maintain good overall health and eye health for successful LASIK outcomes.

Financial Considerations

Last but not least, financial considerations play a big role in determining your LASIK candidacy. Unfortunately, LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism is not covered by medical insurance plans because it is considered an elective procedure. However, several financial assistance programs and financing options are available for those seeking LASIK eye surgery, including 18-36 months interest-free financing, See Now Pay Later plans, and various payment options such as Q-Card, credit card, Eftpos, and bank transfer.

Alternative Treatment Options for Astigmatism

If you’re not a suitable candidate for LASIK, don’t despair. There are other alternatives available for correcting astigmatism. These options include glasses, contact lenses, and other laser vision correction procedures, all of which can provide significant improvements in vision.

While LASIK offers a permanent solution to astigmatism, these alternatives can be less invasive and may be more suitable depending on individual circumstances. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice often depends on the specific needs of the patient.

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Non-invasive options for correcting astigmatism include glasses and contact lenses. They work by addressing the irregular shape of the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina.

There are various options for correcting astigmatism with glasses, including:

• Single-vision lens glasses
• Bifocal or progressive lens glasses
• Rigid gas permeable lenses
• Soft toric lenses

On the other hand, contact lenses, particularly toric lenses, correct astigmatism by offering distinct prescription powers customised to the individual meridians of the eye.

Other Laser Vision Correction Procedures

If glasses or contact lenses are not your preference, other laser vision correction procedures, such as laser eye surgery, are available. These include:

• LASIK
• PRK
• SMILE
• Lens exchange surgery

All of these procedures may be more suitable for certain individuals.

Some alternatives to LASIK surgery, a type of refractive surgery, include:

• LASIK and PRK, which correct astigmatism by using a small laser to reshape the cornea
• SMILE surgery, which involves creating a small incision to remove a piece of the cornea
• Lens exchange surgery, which involves the removal of the eye’s natural lens and its replacement with an intraocular lens

These alternatives can provide significant improvements in vision and may be a viable option for those not suited for LASIK.

Choosing the Right Eye Surgeon

Selecting an appropriate eye surgeon is a vital step towards achieving clearer vision. As with any surgical procedure, the success of LASIK surgery largely depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon. Therefore, it’s critical to do your homework and evaluate potential surgeons thoroughly.

From researching their credentials to seeking recommendations, there are several steps you can take to ensure you choose the right surgeon for your LASIK procedure. Let’s explore these steps in more detail.

Research and Referrals

Initiate your search for the right LASIK surgeon by seeking recommendations from professionals or friends who have undergone successful LASIK surgery. You can also consult with your existing eye care practitioners for trusted recommendations.

When receiving referrals, it’s important to ask specific questions such as:

• Who will be performing the surgery?
• What is the LASIK procedure like?
• How many patients have they treated with LASIK?
• Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
• What follow-up care is provided, and is there a charge for enhancements?

Evaluating Surgeon Experience and Credentials

Once you have a list of potential surgeons, the next step is to evaluate their experience and credentials. Look for a surgeon with:

• Extensive experience in LASIK and astigmatism correction
• A strong track record of successful procedures
• Board certification in ophthalmology
• Positive patient reviews and testimonials

These factors can significantly impact the success of the procedure.

Furthermore, ensure that the surgeon:

• Has fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery
• Has a strong track record of successful laser eye surgery
• Have access to the latest laser technology 
• Work with a strong team with a long-established track record of success 

Preparing for LASIK Surgery

Appropriate preparation is crucial for a successful LASIK experience. This includes:

• Understanding what to expect during the procedure
• Discussing your expectations and potential risks with your surgeon
• Making necessary lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding contact lenses before the procedure.

By preparing adequately, you can set realistic expectations, alleviate anxiety, and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Let’s delve into these preparatory steps.

Avoiding Contact Lenses

A crucial preparatory step for LASIK surgery is refraining from wearing contact lenses for a determined period before the procedure. Contact lenses have the potential to change the shape of your cornea, which can impact the precision of the LASIK procedure and increase the risk of post-surgery infection.

The duration of avoidance depends on the type of contact lenses you wear. For soft daily wear or disposable contact lenses, a two day holiday period is typically recommended.

Discussing Expectations and Risks

Lastly, here are some important things to discuss with your surgeon before LASIK surgery:

• Your expectations for the surgery and the results
• Any potential risks or complications that may arise
• Your lifestyle and vision needs
• Any alternative surgical options that may be available

Having an in-depth discussion with your surgeon about these topics is vital to ensure that you are well-informed and prepared for the surgery.

Remember, it’s normal to have questions and concerns about the procedure. So, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon about anything you’re unsure about, including potential side effects such as:

• dry eyes
• haloes at night 
• glare 

Summary

To wrap up, astigmatism is a common eye condition that can significantly impact your vision, but it can be effectively managed with the right treatment. LASIK eye surgery has proven to be a highly successful treatment option, offering a permanent solution for many. However, it’s vital to understand that not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. Factors such as age, vision stability, eye health, and overall health can affect LASIK candidacy. And when it comes to choosing a LASIK surgeon, thorough research, and careful evaluation are key to ensuring a successful outcome. Remember, your journey to clearer vision starts with understanding your condition and exploring the best options for your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LASIK permanently fix astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK can treat irregular astigmatism.

What eye surgery is best for astigmatism?

LASIK surgery is the best option for astigmatism, as it can treat a wide range of prescriptions. During the procedure, a small flap is created in the cornea and a laser is used to reshape the corneal stroma.

How much does laser eye surgery cost in NZ?

At Re:vision, Laser eye surgery costs $3494 per eye. With our 24 month interest free plan, you can get laser for $34/week. View more details on our pricing page.

What is astigmatism and how common is it?

Astigmatism is an eye condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to difficulty in focusing light on the retina. It is quite common, with prevalence rates ranging from 8 to 62% globally.

What factors determine LASIK candidacy?

LASIK candidacy is determined by factors such as age, vision stability, eye health, and overall health. These factors play a crucial role in deciding if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

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