Do You Have Astigmatism? We Can Help

Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors, and like other errors, it has been traditionally treated with glasses or contact lenses. But Laser Eye Surgery can also be an effective solution, allowing many people to ditch their external visual aids for good!

About Astigmatism

The cornea is the outermost part of the eye – the transparent layer that covers the iris, pupil, and lens. But while it might be easy to consider this a simple ‘window’ to the eye, the cornea is actually vital in effectively focusing our vision.

However, in some people, abnormally shaped corneas can affect how light is refracted into the eye. As a result, light is not focused effectively onto the retina (the photosensitive layer at the back of the eye). This can significantly affect the clarity of a person’s vision.

In astigmatism, the cornea is not spherical as it is in a healthy eye. Instead, it is shaped more like a rugby ball. This causes light to be focused on two points on the retina, and as a result, vision becomes distorted. This is what causes classic astigmatism symptoms such as blurred small print, difficulty reading, and the inability to see both near and far without squinting, constant headache and fatigue.

So, how can Laser Eye Surgery help?

Treating Astigmatism with Laser Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery was traditionally developed to treat myopia (short-sightedness), later to be followed by hyperopia (long-sightedness). Even today, many people believe that the procedure cannot be used to correct astigmatism, but this simply isn’t the case.

It is true that it is more complicated to correct astigmatism than the previously mentioned refractive errors. That’s because astigmatism requires correction in more than one plane as light enters the eye at different angles through the cornea. Still, an experienced surgeon can correct this by removing specific areas of tissue to reshape the cornea.

When treating astigmatism, the conical shape of the cornea requires the surgeon to take account of every distortion in every direction. This is undoubtedly a more complex process than treating long- or short-sightedness. Nonetheless, virtually all astigmatism prescriptions are now treatable by an expert Laser Eye Surgeon with access to the right technology.

Indeed, astigmatism correction procedures are carried out routinely at London Vision Clinic. So, if you are astigmatic, we can almost certainly help! Get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today to find out if you could be suitable for treatment.

London Vision Clinic’s results in treating astigmatism

Patients successfully treated for astigmatism

I can only say that the results for me speak for themselves. Having worn contact lenses for 30-plus years, to be free of all the aggravation is fantastic. My vision now is so much better than with the lenses, it is incredible. Dan and his team are truly experts in their field, and I cannot conceive why anyone would go elsewhere for laser surgery. – Tony M., Company Director

The procedure was quick and painless. After 20 minutes or so of the laser surgery, I was led into a darkened room for a surprise massage. A very nice touch indeed and well appreciated.

– Carlos D., Computer Programmer

Professor Dan Reinstein is so confident and reassuring that he makes you feel you have nothing to worry about and the end result justified this. – Caroline K., Researcher, from South Croydon

Thank you very much to staff at the clinic and to Dr Carp for a very thorough pre-surgery consultation, which put my fears at rest. The surgery itself was quick and painless & Dr Carp talked me through each step methodically. One day later, I have no pain and very little discomfort (and good vision!).

– Grainne M., Lawyer

What astigmatism looks like…

Isabella finds a cure for her astigmatism

Isabella, a patient, describes her search for a Laser Eye Surgery provider and why she chose London Vision Clinic.