Astigmatism is a common vision problem that many people around the world experience. Patients suffering from astigmatism with blurred and distorted vision may find that LASIK can be a successful solution for treatment options. In this blog, we will discuss what exactly astigmatism is, how LASIK treats it, the costs of the procedure, and what patients can expect. Furthermore, we will respond to some frequently asked questions about astigmatism LASIK.
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error that can occur because the cornea or lens has an altering shape. With a normal eye, the lens and cornea both have the same curvature. With a standard curvature, the images and the light can focus onto the retina. Astigmatism occurs when the lens or cornea has an unequally curvature of the eye, scattering the light and resulting in blurry or distorted vision. Astigmatism can also occur along with other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).
Common astigmatism symptoms include:
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a commonly performed and successful surgical procedure to treat refractive errors, including astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus on the retina to improve vision.
1. Anaesthesia and Preparation: Prior to the surgery, the surgeon will perform a complete eye examination to assess whether the patient is a suitable candidate for LASIK. On the day of the surgery, drops containing a numbing medication will be given to the patient to ensure he or she is comfortable during the procedures.
2. Flap Creation: The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea that is hinged at one end. This flap is then carefully lifted to expose the corneal tissue underneath.
3. Corneal Reshaping: The surgeon will then use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. If the patient has astigmatism, the laser will treat and smooth the parts of the cornea that are uneven so that light can focus properly on the retina.
4. Putting the flap back in place: After reshaping the cornea, the surgeon will put the corneal flap back in place. The flap adheres to the underlying corneal tissue without any stitches.
5. Recovery: The corneal flap works as a natural bandage, and healing will proceed quickly. Most patients will be asked to take it easy for a few days after surgery to allow for proper healing. Most individuals have some improvement in vision in a few days and will continue to heal for several weeks.
Indeed, LASIK is an excellent method to fix astigmatism, as it changes the cornea to a more uniform shape. Consequently, the light is properly focused on the retina, and the vision is pretty much perfect. The majority of the folks feel their sight has been greatly enhanced and that they are freed from the necessity of glasses or contact lenses.
The cost of laser eye surgery to fix astigmatism depends on a number of factors such as the expertise of the surgeon, the technology used, the location of the clinic, and how much correction is needed. Typically, the cost is between $2,000 and $3,500 for each eye. It is also worth noting that in most cases, insurance plans do not cover the cost of LASIK as it is classified as an elective procedure. Nevertheless, there are some clinics that provide financing options or installment plans to make it easier for patients to pay for the procedure.
1. Surgeon's Experience: A surgeon with a great deal of experience may charge more for the expertise and high success rates he/she can offer.
2. Technology Used: Advanced laser technology, such as femtosecond lasers and wavefront-guided LASIK, will cost more, but the result is usually better.
3. Clinic Location: A clinic in a big city or a place where it is expensive to live will most likely charge more for the same procedure.
4. Extent of Correction: The cost of the surgery may also be influenced by the astigmatism severity and the presence of other refractive errors.
In a LASIK astigmatism surgery, a highly accurate laser is used to reshape your cornea which has an irregular curve and thus the blurred vision. The astigmatism operation is very fast; usually, it doesn’t take more than half an hour. Following the LASIK treatment for astigmatism, it is possible that you have irritations, dryness, or blurred vision, but the condition gets better in a few days. It can be of help to your recovery if you understand the principle of LASIK for astigmatism. It is always better if you first coordinate a meeting with your doctor to talk about the cost of LASIK for astigmatism and then plan accordingly.
LASIK surgery doesn't take much time, it is very fast and typically takes around 15 minutes for one eye. The time during which the eye is exposed to the laser is generally less than one minute. The patients are conscious throughout the operation, however, the installation of the numbing eye drops is what provides the relief of pain. A few patients can also feel a little bit of pressure on the eye when the corneal flap is being prepared.
Immediately after the surgery, patients might experience:
Such signs generally disappear in a couple of days. The surgeon will give you detailed instructions for your care after the operation, among them the use of eye drops that have been prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation and the avoidance of activities that may put a strain on the eyes.
Read Also - Guide to LASIK: The Pros and Cons
When done by skilled surgeons, LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism is generally a safe and effective method to correct astigmatism. The state-of-the-art technology has made the LASIK procedure for astigmatism extremely accurate, which lessens the chances of the problem occurring and also makes the recovery period speedy. The majority of patients see a great improvement of their vision and do not suffer from any significant complications. Nevertheless, a few minor risks are always involved in any operation, and your doctor will point them out to you at your consultation. It is helpful to know how LASIK treats astigmatism if you want to get the right information and then decide.
In case your astigmatism is mild to moderate and your vision hasn't changed, you could possibly be a good candidate for LASIK to correct astigmatism. A comprehensive assessment by a professional will definitely confirm whether you are eligible or not. The deciding factors for a LASIK surgery to relieve astigmatism include the thickness of the cornea, the health of the eye, and the medical history of the patient. Acknowledging the benefits and limitations of the operation, together with talking about the possible effects, risks, and price of LASIK for astigmatism, constitutes a very necessary step in your consultation.
Aside from glasses and contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism offers a long-term solution by reshaping the cornea to correct vision irregularities. It’s one of the most trusted treatments for reducing or eliminating astigmatism. Understanding how LASIK works on astigmatism helps patients see why it’s a popular choice. After a successful procedure, many experience sharp, clear vision without relying on corrective eyewear.
Read Also - Guide to LASIK: The Pros and Cons
Ans: The entire LASIK procedure usually takes about 15 minutes per eye, with the laser treatment itself lasting only a few seconds to a minute.
Ans: No, LASIK surgery is not painful. Patients receive numbing eye drops to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. Some may experience mild pressure on the eye, but it is not painful.
Ans: Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within a few days, with full recovery typically occurring over several weeks. However, individual recovery times can vary.
Ans: As with any surgical procedure, LASIK carries some risks, including dry eyes, glare, halos, and in rare cases, infection or vision loss. However, serious complications are uncommon, and the procedure is generally considered safe.
Ans: Yes, LASIK can also correct other refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), often in conjunction with astigmatism.
LASIK for astigmatism is a highly effective treatment that can significantly improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. By understanding the procedure, costs, and recovery process, patients can make informed decisions about their eye care. If you're considering LASIK for astigmatism, consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to determine if you're a suitable candidate and to discuss the best options for your vision needs.
