A Beginner’s Complete Guide to LASIK for Astigmatism

Are you looking for an effective and painless procedure to treat your astigmatism? You might have already heard that LASIK is one of the most popular ways of addressing it, along with other refractive errors!

Continue reading below to learn more about LASIK for astigmatism! Is it really the most appropriate procedure for this type of refractive error? What happens during LASIK if the patient has astigmatism?

We’ll answer these questions and more!

First things first, what is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision problem where the cornea of the eye has an irregular shape. It’s simply a refractive error (not an eye disease) just like farsightedness and nearsightedness.

With astigmatism, the cornea is more oval-shaped like a rugby ball when it should be shaped like a basketball. The curvature changes how light enters the eye as there are now two focal points instead of one, causing blurry and distorted vision at all distances.

There are two main types of astigmatism: regular and irregular.

Regular is the more common type of astigmatism where the cornea is curved more in one direction than in the other.

Irregular is the less common type where the cornea is curved irregularly in multiple directions. It’s more difficult to correct and may require custom-made contact lenses.

Most astigmatism cases don’t actually require surgical treatments because corrective glasses and contact lenses are enough to effectively address astigmatism.

Is LASIK effective for astigmatism?

The short answer is yes! LASIK remains one of the most effective and long-term solutions for astigmatism.

In fact, there’s a study that shows an estimate of about 95% of LASIK patients experience 20/20 vision or better less than six months after the procedure.

Laser eye surgeries like LASIK are based on corneal reshaping. By simply adjusting the corneal curvature, light enters the eye at a single focal point, thereby improving vision.

That’s how LASIK treats astigmatism and other refractive errors. It’s a quick and painless procedure that will take only 20 minutes and a minimum downtime of less than a day.

What happens during LASIK for astigmatism?

 Similar to treating other refractive errors, LASIK for astigmatism involves using a laser tool to make a flap and reshape the corneal surface.

To ensure an accurate reshaping of the cornea, the laser’s movements are guided by a computer that follows your biometric measurements.

After correcting the corneal shape, the flap is carefully placed back into position and surgery is done before you know it! The incision from the flap will heal naturally over time even without stitches.

Overall, LASIK is a safe and painless procedure, but as with any medical procedure, it comes with a degree of risks and complications.

That’s why it’s important to choose a clinic with complete facilities and a surgeon with years of experience to their name to minimise not only the risk but also your worries!

 How do I know if I’m a suitable candidate for LASIK if I have astigmatism?

 The only way to know if LASIK is the right procedure for you is to consult with an eye specialist and undergo a comprehensive diagnostic test.

Considering how LASIK works, it’s unable to treat lenticular astigmatism because it’s a lens problem, not a corneal problem.

Generally, you’re a good candidate for LASIK if you are in good health, have mild to moderate astigmatism, and have no other eye conditions besides a refractive error.

Other conditions that may disqualify you for LASIK include pregnancy, severe dry eyes, thin cornea, abnormal corneal contour, uncontrolled diabetes, and corneal herpes.

Talk to a specialist today to learn more about LASIK for astigmatism

 If you have other questions about LASIK for astigmatism or wondering if it’s the right option for you, reach out to Shinagawa Eye Centre for a personal consultation! Call to enquire or book an appointment today.