Can LASIK Fix Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is an extremely common condition. Thankfully, patients with this condition have several reliable treatment options, including LASIK laser vision correction. Here’s what you need to know about how LASIK surgery can correct astigmatism.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye. The cornea is the clear, round dome covering the eye’s iris and pupil. The lens of the eye is a transparent structure behind the cornea. In eyes without astigmatism, the cornea is evenly rounded across all areas, helping to focus light rays sharply onto the retina at the back of your eye. In eyes with astigmatism, the corneas are curved unevenly, in a shape similar to a football. This unevenness prevents light from bending properly as it passes through the eye, resulting in blurred vision.

While astigmatism is typically present at birth, it can also appear later in life. Certain vision factors can indicate an increased risk of astigmatism development, including:

  • Scarred or thinning corneas
  • Excessive nearsightedness or farsightedness
  • Previous eye surgeries (ex. cataract surgery)

The following are common signs and symptoms of astigmatism:

  • Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
  • Headaches
  • Excessive squinting
  • Eye strain, especially when the eye must focus for long periods, such as using a computer monitor
  • Difficulty driving at night

Astigmatism can be easily detected during a routine eye exam.

How LASIK Fixes Astigmatism

LASIK surgery with Dr. Wright in Rapid City may provide permanent relief from astigmatism and its accompanying blurry, strained vision.

During LASIK eye surgery, an ultra-precise laser is used to cut and reshape key parts of the eye, restoring and enabling normal function and clearer vision. In the case of astigmatism, LASIK reshapes your uneven corneas, rounding them out so that light passes through properly. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with astigmatism and are ready to correct your vision permanently, contact Great Plains Eye Specialistsat 605-718-5123 or website today to discover a treatment plant that’s perfect for you!