Astigmatism
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What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a widespread cause of blurry vision. The curvature of the cornea becomes irregular, and the light rays are no longer focused at the same point. This refractive error changes the way your eye perceives light, and the image becomes unclear both at a distance and near sight.
Causes of Astigmatism
It is difficult to trace the exact cause of astigmatism. It runs in the genes, and some babies are born with this refractive error. Others develop the problem later in life, spontaneously or after an injury of the eye.
We do know the risk factors to get astigmatism, and they are:
- A direct injury to the eyeball
- Corneal scarring or thinning
- Previous eye surgery
- Having one or more relatives with astigmatism and other eye conditions
- Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
Astigmatism Signs and Symptoms
- Blurry vision both far away and up close
- Poor night vision
- Eye strain, especially when reading
- Repeated headaches
Note that these symptoms can be highly variable from one person to another. Thus, if you have any of those, an eye evaluation is the more appropriate way to find out if you have astigmatism
Treatment Options to improve Astigmatism
Many cases of astigmatism are mild. Others are very severe and cause significant visual problems that need to be corrected with eyeglasses or a refractive surgery.
LASIK procedures for Astigmatism
This is a laser procedure performed to modify the shape of the cornea, correcting astigmatism in a short time. LASIK surgery can be appropriate for you, but a previous eye examination is fundamental to make sure and give you the best options adapted to you.
It is appropriate for 18-year-old patients and older with a stable (non-changing) eyeglass prescription for one year, and a healthy cornea.
Costs depend on the location. They are usually near $2,000 per eye, with a minimum $1000 and a maximum $4000 per eye. These costs usually cover all of the process, including the preoperative consultation and the follow-up.
Cataract Surgery for Astigmatism
It is also possible to treat astigmatism through cataract surgery. Two methods are used for this purpose:
1. Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
2. Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI)
These methods often result in a significant reduction of astigmatism. However, neither one is covered by medical insurance companies.
Toric IOLs
This procedure can be used for higher-grade astigmatism. It involves placing Toric intraocular lenses especially designed to cancel out the refractive effect of a defective cornea. During the surgery, the new lenses are placed and then rotated to match the axis and correct the astigmatism. Besides correcting high-grade astigmatism, the effectiveness of these lenses does not depend on unpredictable factors such as the corneal healing process.
Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI)
It is more appropriate for small-grade astigmatism. The procedure can be performed before or after cataract surgery. Through very small incisions, the procedure is meant to flatten curved areas in the cornea, correcting the defect and improving astigmatism without eyeglasses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Astigmatism
Can astigmatism progress over time?
Yes, astigmatism can worsen over time. In most cases, it progresses slowly. But progression depends on the environment and your genes.
Can astigmatism cure by itself?
No, astigmatism does not go away spontaneously. What we can do is adopting preventative measures to slow down the progression of the refraction problem.
Can I correct astigmatism?
Yes, we can correct astigmatism with different methods. The more common is using eyeglasses, but we can also use refractive surgery, including LASIK, ICL, and PRK.
It’s the right time for clearer vision
Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer all your questions about which procedure is best for you, and ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible. Make an appointment today!
Our specialists at Texas Eye and Cataract will always be here to assist you if you have more doubts or concerns about astigmatism or any other eye problem that affects your visual acuity. We offer a wide range of solutions for this and many other eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, droopy eyelids, and more. If you have any concern about astigmatism surgical procedures, be sure to contact us. You can find one of our medical centers throughout the state of Texas, in Waxahachie, Mansfield, Corsicana, Ennis, DeSoto, Waco, Red Oak, Midlothian, Lancaster, Ferris, Palmer, Athens, and Cleburne. You can also fill out your appointment form or call us at 469-505-2020.
At Texas Eye and Cataract, we know how important it is to see life with clear vision. We understand that being your best means seeing your best.