Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

Do you have to squint at road signs while driving at night? Or have headaches after hours of staring at your computer screen?

If you’re living with astigmatism, these frustrations are all too familiar. While glasses and contacts offer temporary relief, many people dream of a more permanent solution. LASIK eye surgery has transformed millions of lives by correcting astigmatism and reducing dependence on corrective eyewear.

But how exactly does this procedure work, and is it right for you? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about LASIK for astigmatism!

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is an irregularity in the normal curvature of the cornea. Instead of the eye being perfectly rounded, like a basketball, the surface is more oval, like a football.

The uneven shape of the eye prevents light from properly focusing on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. It can occur independently or accompany another refractive error, such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).

There are two main types of astigmatism: corneal astigmatism and lenticular astigmatism. Corneal astigmatism is caused by irregular corneal shape, while lenticular astigmatism is the result of irregularities in the lens of the eye.

The symptoms of astigmatism include blurry or fuzzy vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with night vision. It is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam using tools like a phoropter, an autorefractor, and corneal topography imaging.

While the actual shape of the eye varies widely from person to person, someone is more likely to have astigmatism if their parents did. Astigmatism can also originate from eye disease, injury, or surgery.

How Does LASIK Correct Astigmatism?

One of the most popular ways to permanently correct astigmatism and eliminate the need for corrective eyewear is LASIK. For many people, LASIK results in 20/20 vision or better with improved visual acuity.

LASIK corrects astigmatism by using a highly precise excimer laser to smooth and reshape the irregular areas of the cornea. During the procedure, a flap is created on the surface of the cornea, called the epithelium. The flap is gently lifted to allow access to the middle layer of the cornea, the stroma.

Using the excimer laser, the corneal tissue is reshaped to correct the patient’s specific degree of astigmatism. This reshaping creates a more symmetrical, rounded cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina.

Once the flap is replaced, it will naturally heal on its own, without the need for an ocular bandage or stitches. While LASIK can cause some temporary side effects, serious complications are extremely rare.

Many patients experience noticeably improved vision within 24-48 hours. Most people can resume their everyday activities the day after LASIK.

What Degree of Astigmatism Can LASIK Correct?

LASIK can potentially correct astigmatism up to approximately 5.00 diopters, though results may vary depending on factors like individual eye anatomy and overall refractive error. It offers the best results for people with mild (under 1.00 diopters) to moderate (1.00-3.00 diopters) astigmatism.

Is LASIK Effective for High Astigmatism?

LASIK can be effective for high astigmatism, but generally no more than 5.00 diopters. Patients with high astigmatism are more likely to achieve optimal outcomes if they have adequate corneal thickness, stable prescriptions, and healthy eyes.

While modern LASIK technology, including femtosecond lasers and guided imaging, allows for more precise correction of astigmatism, it may not completely correct high degrees of refractive error. Another procedure, like EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), might provide better outcomes for very high or irregular astigmatism.

Can Astigmatism Return After LASIK?

Although it is uncommon, astigmatism can return after LASIK in very rare cases. This recurrence, known as regression, is usually the result of age-related changes in the eye, such as shifts in corneal shape or lens clarity.

In rare cases, incomplete or irregular post-operative healing or a progressive eye condition, like keratoconus, can cause astigmatism to reappear. Mild regression may not significantly affect vision, but if regression worsens, it can lead to blurry or distorted vision.

What Other Vision Correction Procedures Can Correct Astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism and are not a candidate for LASIK, another vision correction procedure could be an option for you. Other procedures to correct astigmatism include:

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Like LASIK, PRK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, but accesses the stroma differently. Instead of creating a corneal flap, PRK involves completely removing the corneal epithelium. The epithelium naturally regenerates over several days post-surgery.

PRK can be a good option for people with thin corneas and astigmatism. As the epithelium regrows, it has longer recovery times than LASIK, but it offers comparable vision correction.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that can correct mild to moderate astigmatism. It corrects astigmatism by creating and extracting a small disk of corneal tissue (lenticule).

SMILE requires only a small incision on the edge of the cornea to complete. It disturbs less corneal tissue, which makes it ideal for people with dry eyes or active individuals who may have an increased risk of flap-related complications.

EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

The EVO ICL is a unique option for correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism. Instead of reshaping corneal tissue, it involves implanting a biocompatible lens between the iris and the lens of the eye.

The Collamer lens acts like a permanent contact lens, though it can be removed and replaced if necessary. It is available in toric versions to comfortably accommodate astigmatism.

LASIK is a popular choice for people with astigmatism who want to see glasses-free. It is a quick and easy procedure with short recovery times and outstanding results!

Do you want to learn if LASIK might be able to correct your astigmatism? Schedule an appointment at Manhattan LASIK in New York, NY, today!