The connection between lasik eye surgery and astigmatism

Astigmatism used to create many problems for a patient seeking lasik eye surgery. Most vision problems like astigmatism are caused by distortions in the cornea. The cornea is what is corrected during lasik eye surgery. Trying to deal with a cornea in a patient with astigmatism can be difficult because there are many more distortions than seen with a patient suffering from just myopia (near sighted) or hyperopia (far sighted). Astigmatism is often coupled with myopia or hyperopia, making it even more difficult to perform lasik eye surgery due to added corneal imperfections. Technological advances, however, have helped surgeons better serve patients with astigmatism.

Astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia all stem from the cornea not being shaped correctly. In a person with 20/20 vision the cornea is perfectly shaped without any distortion. In myopia and hyperopia the cornea is curved incorrectly. In someone with astigmatism the cornea is more oblong shaped than round and may also contain other imperfections like slat surfaces or dips. Astigmatism effects both near and far sighted vision. So in a person with astigmatism not only is the shape of the cornea wrong, but there are additional hurdles due to the distortions.

When correcting vision through lasik surgery the goal is to create a perfectly smooth and shaped cornea so the patient ends up with 20/20 vision. The procedure is not too difficult for the patient. It starts with an examination of the cornea to determine what exactly needs to be done to fix the cornea. Then it proceeds to the actual surgery where a flap is cut in the outer surface of the cornea. A laser is then used to reshape the cornea. Many factors can affect the outcome including the sill level of the surgeon and how bad the corneal problems are.

Newer forms of lasik called custom lasik makes it easier to detect astigmatism defects of the cornea. Custom lasik uses a technology called wavefront that can map out the eyes surface. It can pick up on fine details and imperfections. Some doctors prefer astigmatism patients to receive custom lasik because the results are much better than with traditional lasik.

There is also an astigmatism that can result from a lasik procedure. This form of astigmatism is called irregular astigmatism. Irregular astigmatism results from the laser not being correctly programmed. A major symptom of irregular astigmatism is double vision. If you have double vision after lasik surgery and it does not go away you may suffer from irregular astigmatism. In a case like this, surgery would have to be done again.

Astigmatism is very common. It is easy to treat with glasses or contacts and through technological advances it is now easier to correct through lasik eye surgery. You should always discuss with your doctor about ways to ensure that your astigmatism is fixed through lasik, including custom lasik procedures. You should also be aware of how astigmatism can be a result of lasik surgery so you can do your best to avoid it. Astigmatism used to mean you had many difficulties when trying correct vision, but today it is no problem.

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