Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
Published by on March 9, 2012
Astigmatism is a refractive error that results in impaired eyesight due to irregular conformation of the eye, meaning the eye is not perfectly round but more ovular. It often occurs early in life and usually in children between the ages of 5 to 17 years old. Astigmatism can last a lifetime if it isn’t treated properly.
Many believe that astigmatism cannot be treated with LASIK surgery, and although this was true years ago, modern laser systems can now treat astigmatism very well. Laser vision correction can now change the shape of the front surface of the cornea, which is most responsible for astigmatism. However it cannot change the shape of other parts of the eye, such as the posterior surface of the cornea or the crystalline lens, which are also contributing factors. If astigmatism lies in the front surface of the cornea, the surgery can be completed successfully, but if it is anywhere else in the eye, then most laser systems try to reverse the astigmatism by reshaping the cornea, even if there is nothing wrong with it.
This form of correction results in good vision for patients temporarily, but may actually cause poor quality vision long-term. It could also reduce the success of cataract surgery for the patient in the future. There are only a handful of clinics, ours being one of them, that can avoid this long-term astigmatism problem by using vector analysis software for all of their LASIK patients with astigmatism. This analysis outlines patients who may be at risk for long-term astigmatism problems, and allows doctors to address them at the time of surgery or recommend another type of vision correction.
If you suffer from astigmatism, the best way to check if you are suitable for laser vision correction is to book a consultation with an eye doctor that specializes in LASIK for patients with astigmatism. Contact our clinic today to book an appointment with Lance Kugler, MD.
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
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