Though astigmatism symptoms cause blurry vision and other concerns for many, several effective treatment options are available to correct it and improve visual clarity. Understanding these options can help individuals make informed decisions about their eye health and help Advanced Eye Surgeons choose the best approach to achieving clear, comfortable vision.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a prevalent vision condition characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. This imperfection causes blurred or distorted vision at various distances, prevents light rays from focusing correctly on the retina, and results in visual discomfort.
How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Diagnosing corneal astigmatism involves a comprehensive eye examination conducted by our team to assess vision clarity and corneal shape. This evaluation may include a visual acuity test to measure blurred vision at different distances, keratometry to evaluate the cornea’s curvature, and a refraction assessment to determine refractive errors and how light bends as it enters the eye.
How Can You Treat Astigmatism?
Several effective treatment options are available to correct astigmatism, ranging from non-invasive solutions to advanced surgical procedures. The right approach depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, lifestyle preferences, and overall eye health.
LASIK Surgery
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct astigmatism. During LASIK, a precise laser creates a thin flap in the cornea, which is lifted to allow another laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This adjustment lets light focus correctly on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
Corrective Lenses
Corrective lenses provide an effective way to manage astigmatism for those seeking non-surgical solutions. Eyeglasses with specialized lenses help compensate for the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, ensuring clear and sharp vision. Alternatively, toric lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism, conforming to the eye’s shape to enhance visual acuity. Both options offer convenient and reliable vision correction, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a non-invasive approach to managing their condition.
Refractive Surgeries
Beyond LASIK, other eye surgery options are available for irregular astigmatism symptoms:
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Removes the cornea’s outer layer (epithelium) and reshapes the underlying tissue with a laser. PRK is particularly suitable for patients with thinner corneas.
- Clear Lens Extraction: Also known as refractive lens exchange, this surgery replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens to correct astigmatism.
- Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL): Surgically placed lenses inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens, to correct astigmatism without altering the cornea’s shape.
Who is a Candidate for Astigmatism Treatment
Patients seeking astigmatism treatment should have a stable vision prescription for at least one year, ensuring their eyesight is not undergoing frequent changes. Additionally, they should be in good overall eye health, without conditions such as glaucoma or severe dry eye, which could affect treatment outcomes. A personalized consultation with Advanced Eye Surgeons is the best way to determine candidacy.
What to Expect with Astigmatism Treatment
After our team diagnoses astigmatism, the chosen approach may involve corrective lenses or a surgical procedure. Patients undergoing astigmatism treatments generally are awake, though numbing eye drops are used to ensure comfort, and in some cases, a mild sedative may be provided to help patients relax.
The procedures are generally quick and painless, lasting only a few minutes per eye. While patients may feel slight pressure, they do not experience pain. Following the procedure, patients can expect a significant enhancement in their vision quality, with many achieving 20/20 vision or better.
Schedule a Consultation
Don’t let astigmatism hinder your quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of astigmatism or seeking to improve your visual clarity, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gupta and Dr. Pereira.
