Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism: All You Need to Know

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that can cause blurred vision, making activities like reading or driving challenging. Fortunately, modern advancements in laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK for astigmatism, offer an effective, long-term solution. We’ll explore what laser eye surgery involves, who qualifies, and what you can expect throughout the procedure and recovery process.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. It often accompanies other refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia.

Laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism, reshapes the cornea to correct this irregularity, improving vision clarity. This procedure significantly reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses, offering a long-term solution for clearer vision.

What is Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism?

Laser eye surgery uses advanced technology to correct astigmatism, with LASIK being the most common procedure. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) involves creating a small corneal flap, reshaping the underlying tissue to correct curvature, and improving light focus on the retina. It’s highly effective, with millions of successful procedures worldwide.

Other options, like PRK and SMILE, can also treat astigmatism based on individual needs, offering flexibility in vision correction methods.

Who is Eligible for Laser Eye Surgery?

To determine if you’re a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery, your eye doctor will consider several key factors:

Stable Vision: Your prescription should be stable for at least one year before surgery.
Age: Candidates must be over 18, though many surgeons advise waiting until vision stabilises in your mid-20s.
Corneal Thickness: Sufficient corneal thickness is essential for LASIK, as it requires creating a flap in the cornea.
Eye and General Health: Individuals with specific eye conditions like keratoconus or medical issues like uncontrolled diabetes may be ineligible.

Your eye surgeon will perform a thorough exam, including corneal mapping, to confirm LASIK for astigmatism suitability.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens before, during, and after laser eye surgery for astigmatism.

Pre-Operative Preparations

Before surgery, you’ll have a comprehensive eye exam to measure refractive errors, map your cornea’s shape, and assess overall eye health. You’ll also receive pre-surgery instructions, such as stopping contact lens use for one to two weeks, as lenses can temporarily alter the cornea’s shape.

The Procedure Itself

On the day of the procedure, here’s what typically happens:

Numbing Drops: Your eyes will be numbed with anaesthetic drops so you won’t feel pain during the surgery.
Corneal Flap Creation: In LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap, which is lifted to expose the underlying tissue.
Laser Reshaping: An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting the astigmatism by smoothing the irregular curvature.
Flap Repositioning: The corneal flap is repositioned, where it naturally adheres without the need for stitches.

The entire process typically takes about 15 minutes per eye. Many patients notice an improvement in their vision almost immediately.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism

There are many reasons why people choose LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism:

Quick Results: Most patients experience improved vision within 24-48 hours.
High Success Rate: LASIK is highly effective, with a success rate of over 95% for individuals achieving 20/20 vision or better.
Minimal Downtime: Recovery time is quick, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Long-Lasting Results: For many patients, the vision improvements are permanent, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Although laser eye surgery is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of:

Dry Eyes: Temporary dry eye syndrome is common but usually subsides after a few months.
Night Glare: Some patients experience halos or glare around lights at night, particularly in the weeks following surgery.
Flap Complications: Since LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea, there is a slight risk of flap-related complications, such as infection or dislocation.

Your surgeon will explain these risks during your consultation to ensure you fully understand the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

Typical Recovery Timeline

First 24 Hours: Vision begins to improve, but rest is essential. Avoid strenuous activities and protect your eyes from bright light.
First Week: Avoid swimming, heavy exercise, and rubbing your eyes. Attend your follow-up appointment to monitor healing.
First Month: By the end of the month, most patients have clear, stable vision and can resume normal activities while avoiding irritants.

Do’s and Don’ts During Recovery

Follow-up visits and Long-Term Care

Attend regular follow-up visits to ensure your eyes are healing properly. In the long term, it’s important to maintain regular eye exams to monitor your overall eye health.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

The success of LASIK for astigmatism largely depends on the experience and expertise of your surgeon. When choosing a surgeon, consider:

Experience: Look for a surgeon with a proven track record in laser eye surgery.
Technology: Ensure the clinic uses the latest laser technology providing precise and effective treatment.
Consultation: The consultation should be thorough, giving you a clear understanding of the procedure and addressing any concerns.

Conclusion

Laser eye surgery for astigmatism, particularly LASIK, provides a long-lasting solution to blurry or distorted vision. Patients can achieve excellent results with the right preparation, a skilled surgeon, and proper aftercare. At Maxivision Eye Hospitals, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve a clearer vision. Consult with our specialists to determine if you’re a candidate and explore your options for a lens-free life.