Can a corneal astigmatism be corrected surgically?
April 2, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Laura Bergmann
Dear eye doctor,
My name is Martina Schulze and I have been suffering from astigmatism for some time now. This diagnosis was given to me by my eye doctor a few months ago, after I had been experiencing increasing issues with my vision. I already wear glasses, but I still feel like my eyesight is deteriorating.
Astigmatism is increasingly affecting my daily life, as I have trouble seeing things clearly in the distance. I have difficulties especially when driving or reading signs. Even working on the computer is becoming harder for me, as my eyes quickly become tired.
I am very worried about my eyesight and I am wondering if surgical correction of astigmatism could be an option to improve my vision. I have heard about different surgical methods, such as laser treatment or implantation of special lenses.
Could you please provide me with more information about these surgical methods? What risks and side effects are associated with them? And what are the success rates of surgical correction of astigmatism? I would like to learn more about my treatment options in order to make an informed decision for my eye health.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Martina Schulze
Dear Mrs. Schulze,
Thank you for your detailed description of your situation and your questions regarding the surgical correction of astigmatism. As an ophthalmologist, I am pleased to provide you with more information on this topic.
Astigmatism, also known as corneal astigmatism, is a refractive error in which the cornea is not evenly curved, but has an irregular shape. This leads to light not being focused correctly on the retina, resulting in blurry vision at both near and far distances. Glasses or contact lenses can often help improve visual acuity in many cases. However, there are instances where vision may still be impaired despite these aids.
In such cases, surgical correction of corneal astigmatism may be considered. There are various surgical methods used to treat astigmatism. One of the most well-known methods is laser treatment, where the cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser to correct the curvature. Another option is the implantation of special lenses that can compensate for the corneal curvature.
Both methods have their own risks and side effects. With laser treatment, dry eyes, sensitivity to light, or temporary worsening of vision may occur. With lens implantation, infections, inflammation, or potential rejection reactions from the body may arise. It is important for you to educate yourself thoroughly on these risks and discuss them with your ophthalmologist.
The success rates of surgical correction of corneal astigmatism are generally very high. Many patients report a significant improvement in vision and reduction in refractive error after surgery. However, it is important to note that each case is unique, and individual factors such as the severity of astigmatism, eye health, and surgeon experience play a role.
I recommend scheduling an appointment with an experienced ophthalmologist to discuss your treatment options and receive personalized advice. Together, you can decide which treatment path is best suited to improve your vision and enhance your daily life.
I hope this information has been helpful to you, and I am available to assist with any further questions.
Best regards,
Laura Bergmann, Ophthalmologist
