Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects the shape of the eye's cornea or lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Correction procedures for astigmatism aim to improve vision clarity by reshaping the cornea or lens. A variety of surgical and non-surgical options are available to correct astigmatism, depending on the severity and individual needs of the patient.
Typically, astigmatism correction involves the following steps:
An ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye examination before recommending any astigmatism correction procedure to determine the extent of your astigmatism and your candidacy for surgery.
Astigmatism correction options include glasses, contact lenses, laser surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) and implantable lenses (such as toric intraocular lenses).
Your ophthalmologist will review your medical history, including any existing eye conditions, medications, allergies, and previous surgeries.
You will be given detailed information about the risks, benefits, and potential complications of the chosen procedure and will be asked to sign a consent form indicating your understanding and agreement.
There are several methods for correcting astigmatism:
Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses by compensating for the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
A laser is used to reshape the cornea during LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) surgery, correcting astigmatism caused by the irregular curvature of the cornea. Under local anesthesia, the procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes per eye.
A toric intraocular lens (Implantable Lenses) may be implanted during cataract surgery in cases of significant astigmatism and cataracts to correct both conditions simultaneously. Astigmatism is corrected and vision clarity is improved with these specialized lenses.
The recovery from astigmatism correction procedures varies depending on the method used:
When you obtain your prescription for glasses or contact lenses, there is no recovery period. You can resume normal activities immediately.
A few days to weeks after LASIK or PRK surgery, patients may experience temporary discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Full recovery is usually achieved within one to three months following surgery.
The recovery process for implantable lenses is similar to that of cataract surgery. You may experience mild discomfort, itching, or blurry vision at first, but your vision will typically improve within a few days to weeks.
Despite the safety and effectiveness of astigmatism correction procedures, there are potential risks and complications, including:
During or after surgery, dryness, irritation, or discomfort in the eyes may occur, requiring the use of lubricating eye drops.
Astigmatism undercorrection or overcorrection can occur if the astigmatism correction does not achieve the desired level of vision improvement.
An infection at the surgical site is a rare but serious complication that may require antibiotics or other treatment.
Astigmatism correction requires following your ophthalmologist's aftercare instructions, including:
To promote healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection, use prescribed eye drops or medications as directed.
In the initial recovery period, avoid strenuous activities, rubbing your eyes, or exposing them to irritants such as smoke or dust.
Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist to monitor your progress, evaluate healing, and address any concerns or complications.
Astigmatism correction can be optimized by following your ophthalmologist's recommendations for aftercare and attending regular follow-up appointments.
