Lasik Astigmatism
Correction: Procedure and Risks
Astigmatism
is one of the most common vision disorders which can be
treated using laser eye surgery. Astigmatism can occur by
itself or together with myopia or hyperopia. The cause of
astigmatism is the changing of the curvature of the cornea.
The curvature of a normal cornea is like a baseball while
for astigmatism cornea is oblong, like a football. Astigmatism cornea has two curves, one is steep and one is
flat. This resulted in the converging of light which enter
eye at multiple points instead of one point and thus
creating blurred and distorted vision.
Astigmatism can be
effectively corrected using laser eye surgery such as Lasik.
In treating astigmatism through Lasik, laser pulses are used
to flatten the steeper curve of the cornea. This will reduce
the oblong shape and make it more spherical. By changing the
astigmatism cornea into more spherical shape, Lasik surgery
enhances the capability of the eye to focus light more
efficiently and thus giving better vision. The FDA approved
the Excimer Laser to be able to correct nearsightedness up
to -12.00D with -4.00D in astigmatism as well as
farsightedness from about +1.00 to +6.00 including a 1.00d
of astigmatism.
There are also some risks
involved in the Lasik astigmatism correction procedure. Over
or under treatment of a person’s condition which might
require more surgery or the need for contact lenses or eye
glasses is an example. There are also problems such as
difficulty with night driving and other visual symptoms like
glares and haloes. Corneal infection, corneal scarring,
light sensitivity, dryness of the eyes, flap complications
are also included. Perhaps the worse possible risk might be
the permanent vision loss. This procedure is not covered by
most insurance companies.
People who want to correct
their astigmatism through Lasik should also know that they
could have an improved vision BUT not a perfect vision after
the surgery. They would still need to use reading glasses by
the age of forties. It is an irreversible procedure and as
such there’s no turning back. You should also be 18 years
old to be able to undergo Lasik astigmatism correction and
you cannot undergo it if you are nursing or pregnant.
Since this procedure involves
very delicate areas of your eyes, be sure to get the best
doctor who has years of experience. Make sure that the laser
they would be using is FDA approved. Remember that there
could be really bad complications if you choose a doctor who
has zero experience in this field.
