Can you do that with astigmatism? | Laser eye

Can you do that with astigmatism?

Yes, astigmatism can be treated by laser eye surgery. With astigmatism, incident light rays cannot be bundled in one point and therefore round objects are perceived as rod-shaped. Patients suffer from blurred vision.

Astigmatism can be treated by two different methods (LASIK and LASEK). In LASIK (Laser-in-situ Keratomileusis) treatment, a corneal flap is first prepared with a microkeratome and then the defective vision is corrected with the help of the laser. Finally, the corneal flap is returned to its original position.

In the LASEK method, an alcohol solution is first applied to the surface of the eye, which dissolves the thin layer of cells on the surface of the eye (epithelium), thus creating access to the cornea for the surgeon. The cornea is then reshaped with the laser and finally a protective contact lens is placed on the eye to support the healing process. The Lasek method can be used for very thin corneal layers and has a longer healing phase than the Lasik method.

How’s that if I’m not presbyopic yet?

You can have your eyes lasered without any problems prior to presbyopia. However, you should note that presbyopia can become noticeable from the age of 45 onwards. The deterioration in vision can last for years and therefore, after laser treatment, a new refractive error can occur and glasses may have to be worn.

Dry eyes

After a laser treatment, a temporary feeling of dryness often occurs in the eyes. During the treatment, the uppermost layer of the cornea is detached, which also causes nerves to be severed that tell the brain whether the eyes are sufficiently moist or dry. Consequently, less tear film is produced.

To prevent the feeling of dryness, you should regularly use eye drops prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The tear film should return to normal after a few weeks.