What You Need To Know About Astigmatism And Laser Eye Surgery

All of us naturally prefer to be able to see with perfect clarity. However, those of us who have astigmatism simply want to be able to read signs with ease or recognize faces from afar. We used to have only spectacles or contact lenses to correct our vision. Today, eye surgery for astigmatism is readily available.

First of all, what is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a procedure aimed at correcting farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism. It can involve decreasing or getting rid of the need for spectacles, corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

What are the types of laser eye surgery?

The types of laser eye surgery available are PRK, Custom Wavefront LASIK, Epi-LASIK, LASEK, IntraLase Bladeless LASIK, Presby LASIK and Corneal Onlays or Inlays.

PRK uses an excimer laser that smoothens the cornea into its normal shape, which consequently focuses light better and results in crisper vision. The procedure is suitable for nearsighted and farsighted individuals, but also works well for those who have astigmatism; Epi-LASIK is a procedure that doesn’t use alcohol to eliminate the cornea’s outer layer; LASEK is performed on thin corneas; IntraLase Bladeless LASIK, by the name itself, utilizes a second laser instead of a blade; The Corneal Onlays or Inlays merges with the surface of your eye.

What are the benefits of LASIK surgery?

LASIK surgery can actually correct many levels of nearsightedness and farsightedness. Individuals with myopia, or nearsightedness, often also have astigmatism. This makes the LASIK surgery effective for astigmatism as well.

Many individuals who suffer from astigmatism are comfortable with the idea of have LASIK surgery. This is the case usually because it is not painful.

The procedure used in LASIK surgery uses a laser, which makes it extremely precise and quick. The procedure can take just 5 to 10 minutes.

Most of the time, just one procedure is needed to get positive results. When more procedures are required, they are often required several years later.

Is LASIK surgery right for me?

If you have a really hard time seeing, then LASIK surgery is a good option for you. Have you always worn eyeglasses or contacts before? Have you often had trouble driving due to some visual problems? Have you found yourself straining to see, as you’ve gotten older? If you’ve answered one or more of these questions, you may want to discuss LASIK surgery with your doctor.

Where Can I Find The Right Doctor?

Eye doctors are highly trained professionals and many offer LASIK surgery. If you are unsure of where to go for LASIK surgery, just make a little bit of research and don’t hesitate to ask around. Ask for recommendations from family or friends who have tried LASIK surgery. Find out how many LASIK surgeries a doctor has performed, if equipment used is FDA-approved, if follow-up treatment and care is available after surgery, and finally, if you are comfortable with the exchange of information between you and the doctor.

For medical advice, consult with an eye care specialist.