Can I Have Lasik Eye Surgery If I Have an Astigmatism?

It is a general belief that people suffering from astigmatism do not necessarily need LASIK eye surgery. This might be acceptable in cases of mild astigmatism.  When the case is either severe or mild, then LASIK eye surgery is a recommended way of having a vision correction.

Astigmatism is actual an abnormal or irregular curvature of the cornea. This, in turn, gives lights multiple entrances into the eye thereby causing a blurred vision. Eye doctors unanimously shared the opinion that an eye laser surgery can correct astigmatism (even if it is not the inherited type).

Astigmatism is very common, one in every three persons have it. And some of the symptoms can be blurred vision, headaches, eye strain, and fatigue after reading. These symptoms are severe in some patients while it is mild in others, depending on the severity of astigmatism in an individual patient.

Choosing LASIK

LASIK is just one of the many eye laser surgery options available for correcting eye defects. Its effectiveness is responsible for its popularity amidst eye laser surgery and vision correction methodology available. It has a success rate of 99% in eliminating astigmatism. So, if your question is still can I have a LASIK eye surgery if I have astigmatism, then your answer is YES!

It should be tentatively noted that LASIK eye laser surgery is not limited to just treating astigmatism. It is very effective in other eye defects. Ranging from short-sightedness to long-sightedness, LASIK is a very potent and fast means of having vision corrections.

It can also be used extensively for treating (removal) of cataract from the eyes. Having the freedom to participate in all event without having to reach out for the glasses or perhaps contact lens (not so cool).

Procedure

Before the eye laser surgery, the eye doctor uses an aberrometer laser beam to produce a 3D of the exact shape of the cornea on a monitor. This helps him to find where reshaping of tissues should be done. LASIK involves scraping or lifting of the cornea and using a laser beam to re-shape the tissues beneath the cornea.

It is painless (aside from minor stinging) and takes about 20 minutes to complete. The patient might experience blurring vision and increased light sensitivity which are normal and would clear up in 3-4 days. Eye drops, and oral medications are given to counter side-effects and prevent infection. Recovery time is a meager 4-5 days.

Side Effects and Choosing Right Doctor

It is important to understand that just like any other surgery, there is risk involved as well. Side effects include glare, dry eye, halos with night vision, and rarely, permanent vision loss.

As much as LASIK can treat astigmatism and other eye defects permanently, it is imperative to understand that having a good ophthalmologist reduces the rate of risk and mitigates side effects.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

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