Astigmatism eye surgery, also called refractive or laser eye surgery, refers to several types of surgical procedures that reshape the cornea, the clear anterior surface of the eye, when it has an abnormal curvature. Abnormal curvature, or astigmatism, either against the cornea or the lens immediately behind it leads to blurred vision. The goal of each type of astigmatism eye surgery is to correct the irregularly shaped cornea or lens so that light to travel through the cornea so that it properly hits the retina is at the back of the eye. Different types of astigmatism eye surgery may be recommended, depending on the degree of astigmatism present. Among the various types of astigmatism eye surgery are laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK),
During LASIK surgery, the most common type of astigmatism eye surgery, astigmatism is corrected by reshaping the corneal tissue so that it can properly direct light into the eye, and back into the retina. Corneal tissue is reshaped by scraping it with a highly focused laser beam of light. A flap is then created in the outer layer of the cornea so that the underlying tissue can be reached. LASIK eye surgery is very effective for people who are nearsighted and farsighted as well as those with astigmatism.
PRK surgery is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct mild to moderate astigmatism, myopia and myopia. During this type of laser eye surgery, the eye surgeon renews the superficial and inner layers of the cornea with a pulsating ray of ultraviolet light. No cutting is required during a photorefractive keratectomy.
LASEK surgery is a newer form of astigmatism eye surgery used to treat astigmatism, myopia and myopia. It combines many of the advantages of LASIK and PRK. During the LASEK procedure, there is no scraping or cutting of the eye. An epithelial flap is made with a 20 percent alcohol solution that removes a small amount of corneal tissue by evaporating it.
LTK surgery is a type of non-contact laser refractive eye surgery used to treat astigmatism and myopia. During LTK surgery, a laser beam shrinks and renews the cornea in seconds, without cutting or removing the cornea or lens cloth. It is a quick procedure, but LTK is not a permanent laser eye surgery solution, because the eyes change with age. Additional surgery may eventually be needed.
AK surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct astigmatism instead of a form of laser eye surgery. During AK surgery, one or two incisions are made on the steepest part of the cornea. The cornea then relaxes, takes on a rounder shape. AK refractive eye surgery can be used alone or in combination with laser eye surgery.
- LASIK eye surgery is effective for people who are long-sighted, making it easier for them to see up close.
- Laser eye surgery can be used to correct an astigmatism.
- There are now several forms of astigmatism eye surgery that use lasers.
- A normal eye and one with astigmatism.
