Having astigmatism can be a disruptive factor to a well-lived life. If you have astigmatism, you are likely used to it, but that doesn’t deny that it causes extra hassle in your life.
Astigmatism creates the need to wear glasses or contact lenses throughout your day. Without these visual aids, it’s nearly impossible for you to see.
With them, you can see, but you have the extra responsibility and hassles of caring for them and bringing them around with you. Fortunately, there are treatment options for astigmatism.
Keep reading to find out if LASIK corrects astigmatism!
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure. It uses two special lasers that reshape the middle layer of your cornea to correct your vision.
During a LASIK procedure, your surgeon begins by numbing your eyes with anesthetic eyedrops. Once the eyedrops take effect, the procedure can begin.
The first step your surgeon takes is to create a flap with the outer layer of your cornea using a femtosecond laser. To expose the middle layer of your cornea, they pull this flap back off your eye.
After the procedure, the flap gets replaced and attaches to your eye. Once your surgeon can reach the middle layer of your cornea, they use a second laser, called an excimer laser, to remove tissue from it.
They remove tiny bits of tissue from specific locations to create a smooth surface. Then, the flap gets placed back down, and you head home to recover.
Can LASIK Correct Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs due to an irregularly shaped cornea. The abnormal shape causes light to scatter in your eye instead of getting focused on your retina.
This lack of focus results in blurry vision that makes it impossible to see. Glasses and contacts can correct this improper focus, but you have to wear them to see clearly.
LASIK is a permanent solution to astigmatism. Removing bits of tissue from your cornea creates a cornea that can focus light onto your retina.
The result is clear, crisp vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Can Anyone Get LASIK?
LASIK is one of the most effective treatments for astigmatism. It gives you clear eyesight without the help of glasses or contacts.
But because you have astigmatism doesn’t mean you automatically qualify for LASIK. LASIK has strict candidacy requirements, and if you don’t meet all of them, you cannot get the procedure.
One requirement is corneal thickness. LASIK removes tissue from your cornea, so it needs to be thick enough to undergo the procedure.
Getting LASIK with corneas that are too thin can be dangerous. Your eye doctor will help you determine if you qualify for LASIK.
If you don’t, there are alternatives they can discuss with you. But, the first step in the process is to have a LASIK consultation to determine if you meet the requirements.
Are you ready to get rid of your glasses and contacts and live an astigmatism-free life? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Envue Eye and Laser Center in Oxon Hill, MD. See if you can permanently correct your astigmatism with LASIK!
