Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects the shape of the cornea or the lens inside the eye. It causes blurred or distorted vision at a distance and up close. While glasses and contact lenses have traditionally been used to correct astigmatism, advancements in medical technology have opened up new possibilities. One such option is laser eye surgery (refractive surgery).

This blog post will explore whether laser eye surgery can effectively correct astigmatism.

Understanding astigmatism

Before delving into laser eye surgery, it’s important to have a basic understanding of astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, resulting in light not focusing correctly on the retina. This leads to distorted vision, which can cause eyestrain, headaches, and difficulties with reading or driving. Astigmatism can be present alongside other refractive errors, such as short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia).

Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?

The answer is yes. Laser eye surgery can effectively correct astigmatism.

Laser eye surgery procedures use lasers to reshape the cornea to improve the eye’s focusing ability, thus addressing astigmatism. However, the success of the surgery depends on various factors, including the severity of astigmatism, corneal thickness, and individual eye characteristics.

Laser eye surgery can treat astigmatism by reshaping the front surface of the cornea. This allows the light rays to enter the eye and focus correctly on the retina. This procedure can correct even a small amount of curvature of the cornea, providing improved vision for people with astigmatism.

It’s important to note that while laser eye surgery can significantly reduce astigmatism, it may not eliminate it entirely. Sometimes, a residual amount of astigmatism may remain after the procedure. However, the residual astigmatism is often minimal and can be further corrected if necessary.

If you’re considering laser eye surgery to correct astigmatism, consulting with an experienced ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon is crucial. They will evaluate your eyes, perform necessary tests, and determine the most suitable treatment options for your condition.

Not everyone is a candidate for laser vision correction. A thorough assessment is essential to ensure optimal results and minimize potential risks.

Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery by taking our 2 min self test!