Can I Get LASIK For Astigmatism?

lasik for astigmatism

Nowadays, more and more people are turning to LASIK eye procedures as a permanent solution for refractive errors.

However, you may be wondering if LASIK is the right choice for treating conditions like astigmatism.

This guide is here to teach you all about the effectiveness of LASIK eye procedures for astigmatism.

Table of Contents

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects the shape of the eye’s cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at various distances.

Corneal Astigmatism

Corneal astigmatism is a type of astigmatism that is caused by irregularities in the curvature of the cornea, otherwise known as the dome-shaped outer layer of the eye.

Lenticular Astigmatism

Lenticular astigmatism refers to astigmatism caused by a curvature in the lens of your eye.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Genetic and environmental factors are known to play a role in the development of astigmatism. If you have immediate family members with astigmatism, you will likely develop it at some point in your life.

Certain eye diseases or conditions like keratoconus may also lead to conditions like astigmatism because they are known to change the shape of your cornea or your eye’s lens.

Can LASIK Eye Surgery Fix Astigmatism?

LASIK eye surgery can fix both corneal astigmatism and lenticular astigmatism. Factors such as the severity of astigmatism, corneal thickness, and overall eye health determine whether or not LASIK can effectively treat your astigmatism.

Are There Types of Astigmatism that LASIK Can’t Fix?

In some cases, LASIK isn’t the best treatment option for astigmatism. Irregular astigmatism or severe astigmatism are two conditions that LASIK may not be able to treat effectively.

Likewise, if you are someone with a thin cornea or have other eye conditions like cataracts or retinal disorders, the risk of complications following the procedure could be too high.

It’s essential to consult with a qualified eye care professional who can evaluate your specific condition, perform a thorough examination, and discuss the most suitable treatment options for your astigmatism correction.

lasik astigmatism treatment

LASIK Treatment For Astigmatism

When deciding to undergo LASIK, your eye doctor will first give you an evaluation and consultation to determine if you are the proper candidate.

During the procedure, your doctor will apply numbing drops to your eyes so you feel no pain or discomfort.

After this, your eye doctor will create a thin flap on your cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. After the flap is made, your eye doctor will reshape your cornea, improving your vision.

How Safe Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is considered a safe and effective procedure when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon on the correct candidates. While LASIK is a generally safe and routine procedure, there are always rare risks of complications to be aware of.

Who Qualifies for LASIK?

Your age, vision, eye health, and corneal thickness are all factors that determine if you qualify for LASIK. To determine if you are a candidate for LASIK, you will need to have an evaluation by an experienced ophthalmologist.