Astigmatism is a common vision problem where the eye’s front surface, the cornea, or the lens inside the eye has an irregular curve. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, causing blurred or distorted vision. LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive surgery that can effectively correct this condition. This procedure reshapes the cornea, allowing light to properly focus, improving visual clarity.
How LASIK Corrects Astigmatism
LASIK surgery corrects astigmatism by precisely reshaping the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. The procedure begins with the creation of a thin, hinged flap on the corneal surface. This flap is carefully lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
An excimer laser then delivers pulses of ultraviolet light to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from specific areas of the cornea. For astigmatism, the laser ablates tissue unevenly, flattening the steeper curvature and steepening the flatter curvature. This process transforms the irregularly shaped cornea into a more spherical or uniformly curved surface.
Once the desired corneal shape is achieved, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned. The flap naturally adheres without stitches, forming a protective layer over the reshaped tissue. This precise reshaping allows incoming light rays to converge at a single focal point directly on the retina, thereby correcting the blurred vision caused by astigmatism.
Who Is a Candidate for LASIK Astigmatism Correction?
Determining suitability for LASIK astigmatism correction involves a comprehensive eye examination. A stable prescription is a primary consideration, meaning no significant changes in vision for at least one year prior to surgery. Individuals should be at least 18 years old, as eye prescriptions tend to stabilize around this age.
Sufficient corneal thickness is also a significant factor, as the procedure removes tissue from the cornea. An ophthalmologist will measure corneal thickness to ensure enough tissue remains after reshaping to maintain corneal integrity. Patients must also have healthy eyes, free from conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye, which could affect surgical outcomes or recovery.
Certain systemic health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes, may also preclude someone from being a candidate. A thorough pre-operative evaluation, including detailed scans of the cornea and assessment of overall eye health, is performed to confirm candidacy.
What to Expect After LASIK for Astigmatism
Immediately after LASIK for astigmatism, patients experience some mild discomfort, such as a gritty sensation, tearing, or light sensitivity. Vision improves rapidly, with many noticing clearer sight within hours. Vision may fluctuate slightly during the initial recovery period.
Temporary side effects like glare, halos around lights, or dry eyes are common in the first few days or weeks following the procedure. These symptoms diminish significantly within three to six months as the eyes heal. Preservative-free lubricating eye drops are prescribed to manage dryness.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled within 24 hours, one week, and then periodically for several months. These visits allow the surgeon to monitor healing and assess visual outcomes. While most patients achieve excellent vision without glasses or contact lenses, some may require enhancement procedures in the future.
How LASIK Corrects Astigmatism
LASIK surgery corrects astigmatism by precisely reshaping the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. The procedure begins with the creation of a thin, hinged flap on the corneal surface. This flap is carefully lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
An excimer laser then delivers pulses of ultraviolet light to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from specific areas of the cornea. For astigmatism, the laser ablates tissue unevenly, flattening the steeper curvature and steepening the flatter curvature. This process transforms the irregularly shaped cornea into a more spherical or uniformly curved surface.
Once the desired corneal shape is achieved, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned. The flap naturally adheres without stitches, forming a protective layer over the reshaped tissue. This precise reshaping allows incoming light rays to converge at a single focal point directly on the retina, thereby correcting the blurred vision caused by astigmatism.
Who Is a Candidate for LASIK Astigmatism Correction?
Determining suitability for LASIK astigmatism correction involves a comprehensive eye examination. A stable prescription is a primary consideration, meaning no significant changes in vision for at least one year prior to surgery. Individuals should be at least 18 years old, as eye prescriptions tend to stabilize around this age.
Sufficient corneal thickness is also a significant factor, as the procedure removes tissue from the cornea. An ophthalmologist will measure corneal thickness to ensure enough tissue remains after reshaping to maintain corneal integrity. Patients must also have healthy eyes, free from active infections, severe dry eye, or serious conditions like cataracts or advanced glaucoma, which could affect surgical outcomes or recovery.
Certain systemic health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes, may also preclude someone from being a candidate. A thorough pre-operative evaluation, including detailed scans of the cornea and assessment of overall eye health, is performed to confirm candidacy.
What to Expect After LASIK for Astigmatism
Immediately after LASIK for astigmatism, patients experience some mild discomfort, such as a gritty sensation, tearing, or light sensitivity. Vision improves rapidly, with many noticing clearer sight within hours. Vision may fluctuate slightly during the initial recovery period.
Temporary side effects like glare, halos around lights, or dry eyes are common in the first few days or weeks following the procedure. These symptoms diminish significantly within three to six months as the eyes heal. Preservative-free lubricating eye drops are prescribed to manage dryness.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled within 24 hours, one week, and then periodically for several months. These visits allow the surgeon to monitor healing and assess visual outcomes. While most patients achieve excellent vision without glasses or contact lenses, some may require enhancement procedures in the future.