Treating Astigmatism with Laser Eye Surgery
Since its introduction in the late 1980s, Laser Eye Surgery has successfully treated tens of millions of people around the world. Far from only being to treat myopia (short-sightedness) as it was initially designed, the procedure has helped people ditch their glasses and contact lenses by also correcting hyperopia (long-sightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is one of the four most common refractive errors. It is caused by an abnormality in the shape of the eyes. In healthy eyes, the corneas have a spherical shape, like a football. In corneal astigmatism, the corneas are shaped more like a rugby ball.
As a result, light is directed into the eye with two points of focus, creating a blurred image. Astigmatism can also affect the lenses – this is known as lenticular astigmatism.
Almost everyone has some degree of astigmatism. While it is often inherited, it can also develop as a result of injury or disease.
Thankfully, though, not all these people will require correction to address the eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision that can come with this common refractive error. However, for those with more severe astigmatism, external visual aids have traditionally been required to address the symptoms. Of course, today there is another option available – Laser Eye Surgery.
In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains: ‘What is Astigmatism’.
In the early days, Laser Eye Surgery was powerless against the effects of astigmatism – largely because the procedure was first developed primarily to treat myopia. However, this certainly isn’t the case anymore. In fact, at London Vision Clinic, we have been successfully treating even high-profile astigmatism for years!
Laser Eye Surgery A Safe and Effective Solution to Astigmatism
Laser Eye Surgery works by changing the shape of the cornea to adjust the way light is refracted into the eye. However, unlike other types of refractive error, correcting astigmatism involves correction in more than one plane. As such, treat,emt is more complex than that of long- or short-sightedness.
But with access to the latest technology and world-renowned surgeons, we can correct astigmatism with LASEK/PRK, LASIK, and ReLEx SMILE.
While the basis behind these three procedures is largely the same, access to the cornea is gained in different ways. In PRK/LASEK (the surface procedures), a small section of corneal epithelium is removed completely. In LASIK (the most common procedure), a small flap is created on the surface of the cornea. Finally, in ReLEx SMILE, a high-precision laser is used to create a “keyhole” incision.
A second laser is then used to remove parts of this tissue, reshaping the cornea and correcting the error.
In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains how Laser Eye Surgery is used to correct Astigmatism.
What are the Alternatives to Treating Astigmatism?
For most people, glasses will be the first port of call to correct the effects of astigmatism. Some people may choose to wear contact lenses instead, or as well as, glasses due to their added discretion. However, both of these external visual aids have their problems. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the alternative solutions available.
While Laser Eye Surgery is often an effective solution for astigmatism, it isn’t always the best option. However, at London Vision Clinic, we will likely be able to recommend an alternative treatment.
This can include Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery, which can be used to correct astigmatism up to 6.00 D. This procedure involves implanting an artificial lens in front of the eye’s natural crystalline lens. In a similar way to an external contact lens, this lens corrects the way light is directed into the eye, offering a long-term solution to astigmatism.
If you’d like to learn more about our treatments for astigmatism, why not get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today? Alternatively, Book a Consultation to find out if you could be suitable for treatment.