Many people assume astigmatism is a rare eye condition, but it’s actually one of the most common vision problems eye doctors treat today. Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of the eye, the cornea, has an irregular shape that prevents light from focusing properly within the eye.
This irregular curvature can cause blurry or distorted vision at both near and far distances. While glasses and contact lenses are often used to manage astigmatism, many patients wonder whether LASIK can permanently correct it.
At Holly Springs Eye & Laser, LASIK is performed by Dr. Faraaz Khan, a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who carefully evaluates whether laser vision correction is appropriate for each patient.
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape. Instead of being evenly curved like a basketball, the cornea may be shaped more like a football. This uneven curvature prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, which leads to blurred or distorted vision.
People with astigmatism may notice symptoms such as:
- Blurred vision at both near and far distances
- Eye strain or headaches after visual tasks
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Frequent squinting
Astigmatism often appears along with nearsightedness or farsightedness, which is why many people need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly.
How LASIK Can Correct Astigmatism
Many patients with astigmatism find that LASIK significantly reduces or even eliminates their need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea so light focuses properly on the retina. During the procedure, a specialized laser gently reshapes the corneal surface with precise adjustments based on the patient’s unique prescription.
When treating astigmatism, LASIK smooths and reshapes the uneven areas of the cornea to create a more symmetrical curve. Once the cornea has a more uniform shape, light can focus correctly inside the eye, helping improve overall clarity of vision.
Modern LASIK technology enables surgeons to address different levels of astigmatism with high precision.
Are You a Candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone with astigmatism is automatically a candidate for LASIK. Eye health, prescription stability, and corneal thickness all play important roles in determining whether LASIK is appropriate.
A comprehensive examination evaluates eye structure, measures astigmatism, and determines whether LASIK or another vision correction option is right for you.
If you would like to learn whether LASIK may be right for your vision, call Holly Springs Eye & Laser at 919-689-8920 to book your appointment in Holly Springs or Fayetteville.
