Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, which prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina. This results in blurred or distorted vision at any distance. Astigmatism can occur alongside other refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). It can be corrected with corrective surgery depending on its severity and individual needs.
How Do You Get Astigmatism?
This condition is usually present from birth and is often hereditary, but it can also develop later due to factors like eye injuries, surgeries, or diseases. In some cases, changes in the eye’s shape from conditions like keratoconus can also lead to astigmatism. Understanding these contributing factors is essential for managing and treating the condition effectively.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery corrects vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK surgery corrects astigmatism by reshaping the irregularly curved cornea. During the procedure, a laser precisely removes tiny amounts of corneal tissue to smooth out its shape. This correction allows light to focus evenly on the retina, eliminating the blurred or distorted vision caused by astigmatism. The result is clearer, sharper vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
PRK Surgery
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) also corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, PRK involves removing the thin outer layer of the cornea to reshape the underlying tissue with a laser. Over time, the cornea naturally regenerates. PRK offers the same long-term vision correction benefits as LASIK, but recovery is slightly longer because of the healing process. PRK is recommended for individuals with thin corneas or those who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK.
Suitable Candidates for Surgery:
Suitable candidates for PRK and LASIK eye surgery are individuals who meet the following criteria:
· At least 18 years old with stable vision for at least a year.
· Have mild to moderate astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness.
· Have a sufficient corneal thickness to accommodate the procedure.
· For PRK: thinner corneas are suitable for this procedure.
· Have good overall eye health, without conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye.
Recovery From Laser Eye Surgery
After LASIK, most patients experience improved vision within 24-48 hours, with full recovery in a few weeks. PRK recovery takes slightly longer, as the outer layer of the cornea regenerates over a few days, with full vision stabilisation over several weeks to months. Common side effects include dry eyes, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort, which usually subside within days. Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and ensure optimal results. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week.
Get In Touch
If you're interested in learning more about how laser eye surgery can correct astigmatism and improve your vision, we encourage you to contact one of our specialists today. Our team is here to answer all your questions, explain the available treatment options like LASIK and PRK, and guide you through every step of the process. Call us on (07) 3239 5005 or email us at hello@focusvision.co.au.