What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is elliptical in shape, and as a result light is focused unevenly on the retina. This can result in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Besides blurry vision patients may complain of eye strain, squinting, and headaches.
Can I Get Laser Eye Surgery with Astigmatism?
Yes, you can get laser eye surgery with astigmatism. Procedures like LASIK and TransPRK are highly effective in treating astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to correct and even out its curvature so that light falls onto the retina in sharp focus. At Centre for Sight UK, we offer advanced technology and personalised care to help you achieve excellent visual outcomes. Good diagnostics and planning is essential in obtaining predictable outcomes.
“At almost 40 years old I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 5 years old. My eyes were complicated I had astigmatism/scarring following a severe eye infection several years ago. Following my lasik procedure I can now see perfectly and the team have genuinely changed my life. “
Mr. G.M, Waltham Abbey, Essex, Laser Eye Surgery Patient
Laser Eye Surgery Options for Astigmatism
LASIK, the most commonly performed laser eye surgery, treats astigmatism by creating a thin flap in the cornea and a laser reshapes underneath. The flap is replaced and right after the procedure visual improvement is seen. It’s known for rapid recovery and excellent results.
Trans-PRK is suitable for those with thinner corneas. Trans-PRK is almost a “no-touch” technique that changes the corneal shape in a highly sophisticated manner all in one go. The recovery is slightly longer however, the long-term outcomes are comparable to LASIK.
Am I Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?
While many people can get laser eye surgery with astigmatism, suitability depends on a few key factors:
- The degree and type of your astigmatism
- Corneal thickness and overall eye health
- Stable vision prescription
- General health and medical history
The best way to find out is by booking a thorough consultation with comprehensive diagnostics with our expert ophthalmologists at Centre for Sight UK.
Key Takeaways
Astigmatism to very high levels 6.00D can be corrected
Astigmatism is from an oval shaped cornea
Good outcomes can be achieved by well planned laser eye surgery
What Results Can I Expect?
Most patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision following laser eye surgery for astigmatism. Many achieve 6/6 (meters) or 20/20 (feet) vision often better, with reduced dependency on glasses or lenses. Results are long-lasting, and the procedure has a high satisfaction rate.
