Lasik Astigmatism Correction: Procedure and Risks

Astigmatism is one of the most common vision disorders which can be treated using laser eye surgery. Astigmatism can occur by itself or together with myopia or hyperopia. The cause of astigmatism is the changing of the curvature of the cornea. The curvature of a normal cornea is like a baseball while for astigmatism cornea is oblong, like a football. Astigmatism cornea has two curves, one is steep and one is flat. This resulted in the converging of light which enter eye at multiple points instead of one point and thus creating blurred and distorted vision.

Astigmatism can be effectively corrected using laser eye surgery such as Lasik. In treating astigmatism through Lasik, laser pulses are used to flatten the steeper curve of the cornea. This will reduce the oblong shape and make it more spherical. By changing the astigmatism cornea into more spherical shape, Lasik surgery enhances the capability of the eye to focus light more efficiently and thus giving better vision. The FDA approved the Excimer Laser to be able to correct nearsightedness up to -12.00D with -4.00D in astigmatism as well as farsightedness from about +1.00 to +6.00 including a 1.00d of astigmatism.

There are also some risks involved in the Lasik astigmatism correction procedure. Over or under treatment of a person’s condition which might require more surgery or the need for contact lenses or eye glasses is an example. There are also problems such as difficulty with night driving and other visual symptoms like glares and haloes. Corneal infection, corneal scarring, light sensitivity, dryness of the eyes, flap complications are also included. Perhaps the worse possible risk might be the permanent vision loss. This procedure is not covered by most insurance companies.

People who want to correct their astigmatism through Lasik should also know that they could have an improved vision BUT not a perfect vision after the surgery. They would still need to use reading glasses by the age of forties. It is an irreversible procedure and as such there’s no turning back. You should also be 18 years old to be able to undergo Lasik astigmatism correction and you cannot undergo it if you are nursing or pregnant.

Since this procedure involves very delicate areas of your eyes, be sure to get the best doctor who has years of experience. Make sure that the laser they would be using is FDA approved. Remember that there could be really bad complications if you choose a doctor who has zero experience in this field.

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