Laser Surgery for Eyes with Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a commonly reported eye problem, caused due to irregular curvature of the cornea. An individual with this vision problem has outer lens that are more of an elliptical shape, instead of the normal spherical shape. Ultimately, the refracted light makes two focal points, resulting in multiple and blurred vision. As compared to other therapeutic approaches, laser surgery for astigmatic eyes is claimed to be the most reliable method to offer permanent treatment.

Astigmatism and Laser Eye Surgery

Both nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) are associated with astigmatism. If left untreated for an extended time, this eye condition can cause adverse effects, like squinting, eye strain and mild headache. When it comes to astigmatism treatment part, wearing corrective eyeglasses and putting contact lenses (toric lenses) help in clear focusing of the image. But, these are temporary solutions for mild cases and offer no long-term correction.

For people with severe astigmatism, the eye specialist may suggest refractive surgery for vision correction. This involves reshaping the curvature of the outer lens for better focusing power. And in comparison to traditional eye surgery for astigmatism, laser method is preferred for quick recovery and better results. During laser surgery of astigmatic eyes, excimer lasers are used to correct refractive malfunctions. Similar laser eye surgery technique is applied for treating myopia and hyperopia patients.

Types of Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism

When we say laser surgery for astigmatic eyes, there are various procedures. Out of the different types of laser eye surgery, the rate of successful treatment is highest with LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) technique. Nevertheless, the type of surgery appropriate for the patient is best decided by the concerned eye surgeon, after considering the current eye problem, other associated disorders and general eye condition of the candidate. The following is a brief information concerning laser eye treatment alternatives for astigmatism.

LASIK for Astigmatism
Before carrying out LASIK laser surgery, anesthetic eye drops are applied in the operating eye and a lid speculum is placed to keep it open. After restricting the eyeball movement with a fitted ring, a small incision is made in the epithelium of the cornea with the help of a microkeratome. The cut layer is folded back to access the middle cornea (stroma) for ultraviolet laser application. Based on the eye condition, light pulses are directed to the stroma for restoring the round shape. Lastly, the epithelium layer is unfolded and placed properly.

PRK and LASEK for Astigmatism
Photo-refractive keratectomy, abbreviated as PRK, is another laser surgery to correct astigmatism, especially in people who have abnormally thin cornea. In contrary to LASIK method, the outer epithelial layer of the eye is removed totally in the PRK eye surgery procedure. Following this, the excimer lasers are used to reshape the cornea and give its natural spherical shape. The same laser eye surgery procedure is carried out in LASEK (laser assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis) method, except for the application of a safe alcoholic solution to the epithelium layer. This helps in softening the outer layer and easy scrapping of the same. The corneal layer is placed back after surgery.

Thus, the type of laser surgery for eyes with astigmatism may differ from one candidate to another. Each of the procedures have their own pros and cons. In general, laser eye surgery for astigmatism takes about 30 - 60 minutes and patients are discharged on the same day. During the recovery period (1 - 2 days), patients are expected to use antibiotics and take proper eye care for minimizing infections. Complete healing of the operated eyes will take about 3 - 4 weeks.