If you have astigmatism and rely on glasses or contact lenses, you may be wondering whether laser treatment could provide a longer-term solution. Laser eye surgery for astigmatism, can correct the underlying refractive error for many suitable patients, providing clearer vision and reducing dependence on corrective eyewear.
Mr Kieren Darcy offers advanced laser eye surgery, with treatment individually planned according to your prescription, corneal shape, eye health and lifestyle.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by differences in the curvature of the eye. Rather than light focusing precisely on the retina at the back of the eye, it is focused unevenly at two separate points, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Astigmatism can occur alongside short-sightedness or long-sightedness and can affect both near and distance vision.
Common symptoms include:
• Blurred or distorted eyesight
• Difficulty seeing fine detail
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Squinting to see more clearly
• Glare or difficulty seeing at night
Glasses and contact lenses can effectively correct astigmatism, but some patients prefer a surgical option that can reduce their reliance on them.
How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work For Astigmatism?
Astigmatism laser eye surgery works by precisely reshaping the cornea so that incoming light can focus more accurately on the retina.
Modern laser technology allows treatment to be customised to the individual shape and prescription of each eye. The aim is to correct the astigmatism while also treating associated short-sightedness or long-sightedness, where appropriate.
The laser treatment itself is generally very quick to perform, with some time for preparation and post-treatment checks.
Which Laser Treatments Can Correct Astigmatism?
Different forms of laser vision correction can be used to treat astigmatism.
Lenticular extraction, where a single laser is used to create a contact lens shape of corneal tissue, which is then removed through a small opening.
LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap before reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with a laser. Recovery is typically relatively quick.
Surface laser treatments, such as PRK or LASEK, reshape the cornea without creating a LASIK flap. These may be recommended depending on factors such as corneal thickness and lifestyle.
There is no single procedure that is best for everybody. A detailed assessment is essential to determine which approach offers the safest, and most appropriate for your eyes, plus which technique best suits your lifestyle.
Am I Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?
Suitability for astigmatism laser treatment depends on various factors including:
• Degree of your astigmatism
• Overall prescription
• Corneal shape and thickness
• Prescription stability
• Tear film and dry eye symptoms
• General eye health
If laser surgery is not suitable, alternative vision correction treatments may be available, including implantable contact lenses (ICL).
What Results Can I Expect?
The aim of laser eye surgery is to provide clearer unaided vision and reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Results vary between individuals, so your expected outcome will be discussed as part of your consultation.
It is also important to remember that laser treatment cannot prevent natural changes to the eyes as you get older, such as presbyopia and cataracts.
Astigmatism Laser Eye Surgery with Mr Kieren Darcy
If astigmatism is affecting your vision, a specialist consultation can help you understand your options.
Mr Kieren Darcy provides comprehensive assessments and personalised astigmatism laser eye surgery, selecting treatment according to the individual characteristics of your eyes rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.