Considering LASIK for Astigmatism? Here’s What You Need to Know

LASIK remains one of the most common and effective treatments for astigmatism and other refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia.

A successful LASIK procedure can eliminate the need to wear prescription glasses and contact lenses altogether, providing you with a new level of visual freedom.

This article is for you if you’re considering LASIK for astigmatism! We’ll take you through everything you have to know about this popular laser eye surgery.

Explaining Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a type of refractive error caused by a dual curvature of the cornea, the front part of the eye.

When a person has astigmatism, the shape of their eye is more like a rugby ball whereas the normal shape of the eye is round like a soccer ball. The irregular shape causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Common signs of astigmatism include difficulty seeing at night, squinting to see clearly, frequent headaches, and eye discomfort.

It’s an extremely common refractive error, with most people having some degrees of astigmatism, but the majority are mild and don't require correction.

Astigmatism can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses, but LASIK offers a more long-term solution.

Understanding LASIK for Astigmatism

LASIK is a quick and painless laser eye surgery that involves reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors. It will only require 20 to 25 minutes of your time or less.

The first step in LASIK is creating a thin corneal flap using a femtosecond laser. This flap is then gently lifted to allow the doctor to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.

Then, another type of laser is used to correct the shape of the eye. Once the reshaping is over, the flap is carefully placed back into position and the incision will heal over time.

Recovery for LASIK for astigmatism is also pretty quick, with most patients being able to return to their daily routine in less than 2 days, but it may take up to 6 months for the vision to stabilise.

An estimated 95% of LASIK patients report 20/20 vision or better within 6 months after the procedure.

How to Qualify for LASIK for Astigmatism?

To be a good candidate for LASIK for astigmatism, you should be at least 18 years old, in good health, and have no other existing eye conditions. Another necessary requirement is that your prescription is stable for at least a year.

A comprehensive diagnostic test is also required to determine whether the structural topography of your eyes is suitable for LASIK or other types of laser eye surgery.

These conditions may render you unqualified for LASIK:

●      Severe dry eyes

●      Unstable glaucoma

●      Abnormal corneal contour

●      Uncontrolled diabetes

●      Thin corneas

●      Keratoconus 

Is LASIK for Astigmatism Safe?

Besides peer-reviewed studies, thousands of people who’ve had LASIK for astigmatism are proof that it’s a safe, low-risk, and effective medical procedure. 

According to one study, the success rate of LASIK for astigmatism is measured between 96% to 98%, which is the highest it’s ever been. 

Additionally, the specialised lasers used in LASIK are designed to shut down if the patient’s eye starts to move around excessively, which is often caused by nerves. Every piece of equipment is engineered to keep patients safe.

At the end of the day, every medical procedure comes with side effects and risks. That’s why it’s important to work with a reputable clinic and a skilled experience for your LASIK procedure.

If you have astigmatism and want to consult a specialist on how you can address your vision problem, reach out to Shinagawa Eye Centre for a personal consultation!

https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/lasik-for-astigmatism#takeaway

https://oculase.com/blog/should-i-have-lasik-for-astigmatism/

https://lasik-germany.de/en/laser-eye-surgery/astigmatism/

https://visioneyeinstitute.com.au/eyematters/can-laser-eye-surgery-fix-astigmatism/