I Have An Astigmatism Diagnosis – What Is It?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being perfectly round, the cornea may have a more oval shape, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. This can lead to symptoms such as blurry or distorted vision at all distances, eye strain, and difficulty seeing at night.
Can You Get LASIK If You Have Astigmatism?
Yes, you can get LASIK if you have astigmatism. While LASIK is most notably used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), and farsightedness (hyperopia), it’s also effective for both regular and irregular astigmatism in affected patients.
What Is Regular vs. Irregular Astigmatism?
Regular astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape, typically being oval instead of round. Irregular astigmatism is often caused by eye conditions like keratoconus.
What’s The Eligibility Criteria for LASIK With Astigmatism?
Not everyone with astigmatism is going to be a suitable candidate. Factors affecting eligibility include:
- Needing to be at least 18 years of age.
- Having a stable prescription for at least 1 year.
- Not having certain corneal diseases or conditions like severe dry eye.
If you’re concerned about your eligibility, contact our team here at Brimhall Eye Center and we’ll help assess your candidacy for LASIK.
How Does LASIK Correct Astigmatism?
The reason you can get LASIK even if you have astigmatism is because of how LASIK works. It reshapes your cornea so that light rays can focus more accurately on the retina. During the procedure:
- Preparation: Numbing drops are applied to ensure comfort.
- Flap creation: A thin flap is created on the cornea using a laser.
- Reshaping: The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser to correct the refractive error.
- Flap repositioning: The flap is gently placed back into position.
This outpatient procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes per eye and can significantly improve your vision.
What Are LASIK’s Success Rates or Outcomes Like?
LASIK has a high success rate; over 99% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better after surgery, and approximately 90% achieve 20/20 vision or better. Patient satisfaction rates are also impressive, with over 96% expressing satisfaction with their results.
The LASIK Experience for Astigmatism Patients
It’s normal to feel anxious about undergoing LASIK; however, knowing what to expect can help ease those nerves.
- Before: You’ll receive pre-operative instructions, including avoiding certain medications and wearing contact lenses.
- During: You may experience some minimal discomfort, but rest assured that the procedure is quick and efficient, so it shouldn’t be painful.
- After: You’ll be monitored briefly before going home, and for the majority of our patients, there’s noticeable vision improvement before leaving the office.
What Does Post-LASIK Care and Recovery Entail?
You won’t have to worry about a long recovery or complex recovery guidelines as undergoing LASIK for astigmatism is straightforward and manageable.
- Rest your eyes by avoiding screens and bright lights for the first few days.
- Use our prescribed eye drops to promote healing and to prevent dryness.
- Attend your follow-up appointments with us. It allows our team to ensure that your eyes are healing properly and that any potential issues are addressed properly.
Life After LASIK – What Changes Can I Expect?
Many of our Nevada patients enjoy significant improvements in their daily activities post-LASIK. You can expect enhanced clarity in your vision without the need for corrective lenses, increased confidence and reduced eye strain or discomfort that comes with wearing glasses or contacts.
See The Dazzling Las Vegas Landscape Without The Blur
As a local Las Vegas practice, we understand the unique vision challenges our community faces, from the bright desert sun to long nights under neon lights. If you have astigmatism, give us a call at (702) 263-2020 and explore our tailored LASIK treatment, and take the first step toward clearer vision, today!
