What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs when the front surface of the eye, the cornea, is irregularly curved. This irregular curvature causes light to be focused inconsistently on the back of the eye, leading to distorted vision. People with astigmatism often experience blurred vision at all distances and have difficulty seeing fine details.
Types of LASIK For Astigmatism
There are several types of LASIK surgery that can be used to correct astigmatism. The most common type is called “wavefront-guided LASIK.” In this type of surgery, a computer-generated map of the patient’s eye is used to create a customized treatment plan for their vision. The plan is then used to guide the laser used to reshape the cornea.
Another type of LASIK is called “topography-guided LASIK.” This type of surgery uses a topographical map of the eye to create a customized treatment plan. The plan is then used to guide the laser used to reshape the cornea.
The third type of LASIK is called “small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).” This type of surgery uses a small incision in the cornea to remove a small piece of tissue, called a lenticule, and reshape the cornea.
Which Type of LASIK Is Best For Astigmatism?
The type of LASIK surgery that is best for astigmatism depends on the individual patient and their specific vision needs. Wavefront-guided LASIK is the most common type of LASIK and is generally recommended for most people with astigmatism. Topography-guided LASIK may be a better option for certain patients, depending on the severity of their astigmatism. SMILE may also be an option for some patients with mild astigmatism. Ultimately, it is best to discuss your vision needs with an experienced ophthalmologist who can determine the best type of LASIK for you.