Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects many people, causing images to appear blurred or distorted due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. If you're one of the many individuals grappling with this condition, particularly high astigmatism, you might be considering your options for clearer vision.
What is High Astigmatism?
High astigmatism is an intensified form of astigmatism, where the irregular shape of your cornea or lens is more pronounced, leading to greater distortion and blurriness. When the degree of astigmatism exceeds the mild or moderate range, it's considered high, and this is where you might begin to notice significant visual disruptions in your daily life. This might manifest as markedly blurred vision, considerable difficulty with night vision, or challenges in distinguishing fine details from a distance or up close.
If you're diagnosed with high astigmatism, you may have been told that your options for correction are somewhat limited or more complex. Traditional eyeglasses or contact lenses might not fully correct your vision, or they might cause discomfort due to the thickness needed for the correction.
Additionally, the higher your astigmatism, the more precision is required in the corrective lenses to provide you with clear and comfortable vision. This precision must be consistent, as even slight inaccuracies in the manufacturing or fitting of glasses or lenses can leave you with less than optimal sight.
What is Laser Surgery?
Laser surgery, particularly LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), is a procedure widely celebrated for its ability to correct refractive errors and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It involves the use of a specialized laser to precisely reshape the cornea, thus correcting the way light enters the eye and focuses on the retina.
The process begins with a thorough eye examination to ensure you are a suitable candidate. Once cleared, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea to access the underlying corneal tissue. Then, using an excimer laser, the surgeon reshapes the cornea with pinpoint accuracy. After the cornea is appropriately sculpted, the flap is repositioned, and the healing process begins.
The allure of laser surgery lies in its track record for success and the speed of the procedure itself, often taking no more than 30 minutes for both eyes. Additionally, recovery time is relatively quick, with many patients reporting dramatic improvements in vision within 24 hours.
Is Laser Surgery Possible with High Astigmatism?
Is laser surgery possible with high astigmatism? The answer is nuanced and hinges on several factors, including the degree of your astigmatism, the thickness of your cornea, and the overall health of your eyes.
In the past, high astigmatism was a challenging barrier to successful laser surgery due to limitations in technology and techniques. However, advancements in laser technology have expanded the boundaries, making it possible for individuals with higher degrees of astigmatism to consider laser surgery as a viable option.
Modern lasers are capable of more precise and customized corneal reshaping, which is crucial for correcting high astigmatism. Procedures such as wavefront-guided LASIK can map the unique surface of your eye with exceptional detail, allowing for a treatment that's tailored to the specific irregularities of your cornea.
However, it's essential to set realistic expectations. While laser surgery can significantly improve vision in people with high astigmatism, it may not always result in perfect vision. Some individuals may still require glasses or contact lenses for certain activities or to achieve the sharpest vision possible.
Not everyone with high astigmatism will be a candidate for laser surgery; this determination can only be made after a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with a qualified eye care professional.
Alternative Treatments for High Astigmatism
If laser surgery is not a path open to you, or if you prefer exploring other avenues, there are alternative treatments for high astigmatism to consider. These options range from specially designed contact lenses to non-laser surgical procedures, each with its own set of benefits and limitations.
One such alternative is toric contact lenses, which are specifically crafted to correct astigmatism. They have different powers in various lens meridians to compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea. Soft toric lenses are a common choice, but for higher degrees of astigmatism, gas permeable lenses or hybrid designs might offer better visual clarity.
Orthokeratology, or "ortho-k," is another non-surgical option that involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clearer vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. While the effects are temporary, ortho-k can be an effective and reversible alternative for some individuals.
Schedule a Consultation at Grin Eye Care Today
As you consider the possibility of laser surgery for your high astigmatism, remember that the landscape of vision correction is both vast and personalized. Advancements in technology have made what was once unfeasible now within reach for many. However, the decision to proceed with laser surgery, or any alternative treatment, should be made with careful consideration and professional guidance.
Consult with an eye care specialist who can provide you with a detailed understanding of your specific condition and the most appropriate corrective options. Take into account not only the potential benefits but also the risks and limitations associated with each treatment.
If you are ready to take the next step towards clearer vision, or are seeking more information about your options, visit Grin Eye Care in our Leawood, Olathe, Kansas, or Kansas City, Missouri, office. Please call (913) 829-5511 or (816) 333-8600 to schedule an appointment today.
