Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Laser vision correction is currently the most popular method of permanent removal of vision defects. The speed of the procedure, its effectiveness and efficiency mean that more and more patients who have been doomed to wearing lenses or glasses decide on it. However, is laser vision correction able to remove astigmatism in addition to myopia and farsightedness?
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is simply a visual defect. Interestingly, it affects a very large group of people. For some, however, the defect is so slight that it does not affect their vision. As soon as we open our eyes in the morning, light reaches the eye through the pupil and the cornea. Then it focuses on one point. The optic nerves transmit an image to the brain which ultimately affects what we see. This is how a healthy eye works.
In a person with astigmatism, the light reaching the retina is not focused on one, but on several points at the same time. The result is distortion of the viewed image. Why is this happening? The shape of a healthy eye resembles a football, in a patient with astigmatism it is shaped like a rugby ball.
Symptoms of astigmatism
Find in vain causes of astigmatism – so far, specialists have not found a common factor for all patients with this defect. In some it will be a congenital defect, in others it will appear in old age, and in others it will arise after a mechanical injury to the eye. However, its symptoms are the same for everyone.
In most patients, they appear first blurred vision. The image becomes blurry or hazy, regardless of whether we are looking at something closely or seeing something from a distance. Another symptom is the specific symptoms of fatigue. Headache appears, eyes pinch and water. The last alarming signal will be blinking eyes, especially when watching TV, driving a car, working on a computer or reading a book.
Treatment of astigmatism
Treatment of astigmatism usually consists in selecting cylindrical glasses or toric lenses appropriate for the defect. However, both lenses and glasses will only minimize the symptoms of astigmatism. Blurred vision, the associated headache and squinting will disappear. However, as soon as you remove your lenses or glasses, the problem will come back.
A less popular method, which, however, not only eliminates the effects, but also fixes the source of the problem, is laser correction. Although it is an operation, more and more people are choosing it. The defect range he can remove is 6 doptria.
Also read: Is laser vision correction safe?
Qualification for laser astigmatism correction
You should know that the defect itself is not a qualifying factor for surgery. In order for the doctor to decide on the procedure, the patient must be at least 21 years of age, and most importantly, for at least six months prior to the procedure, have stabilized vision defect. Patients with glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes and severe allergies will also be disqualified.
Laser treatment of astigmatism
Do methods of laser treatment of astigmatism we include PRK, LASEK and LASIK. The latter is most often recommended and used by doctors to correct this vision defect. LASIK vision correction surgery involves the use of a laser beam to model the cornea. In this way, the cornea, reminiscent of a rugby ball, is brought into its correct, more spherical shape.
At the beginning of the procedure, the doctor gives eye drops to numb the eyeball. Then, a laser is used to cut the corneal flap and the cornea itself is modeled to the appropriate shape. After completing this procedure, the corneal flap is reattached and a lens is placed over the eyeball to act as a dressing.
If you have astigmatism today you can take advantage of the Medonet Market offer and make an appointment for a laser astigmatism correction treatment. The procedure is fast and allows you to enjoy a fully healthy eye.
Read more about the details of the various methods of laser vision correction.
Recommendations after laser astigmatism correction surgery
After the procedure, as in the case of long-sighted and short-sightedness correction, medical recommendations should be followed. Only by following certain rules can we be sure that after the procedure there will be no complications or side effects, and the wound on the cornea will heal faster.
For the first weeks, avoid physical exertion, as well as all activities that may lead to rapid eye fatigue, such as reading books, working on the computer, watching TV for a long time. It is better to give up driving for a few days, and for a few months from sunbathing and swimming in a swimming pool, lake and sea. We should also refrain from applying makeup for at least 2 weeks. Stinging, tearing and irritation of the eyes are normal consequences of the surgery. However, if they bother us and make life difficult, let’s consult them at the next check-up with the doctor who performed the procedure.
Check also what are the myths about laser vision correction.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.