Can You Get LASIK If You Have Astigmatism?

January 10, 2025

If you have astigmatism, you might ask whether LASIK eye surgery would work for you. The encouraging thing is that innovations in laser eye surgery make clear vision with the aid of spectacles and contacts possible for individuals with astigmatism. This guide informs you on how LASIK will treat astigmatism and how eligible you would be for surgery in case of seeking LASIK Eye Surgery in Calgary.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a typical refractive disorder that results from an abnormally shaped cornea or lens. Rather than being round like a basketball, the cornea of an astigmatism patient is formed more like an American football. Such irregular curvature causes blurred or skewed vision at all distances. Most people have some level of astigmatism, and it may be found together with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).

How Does LASIK Correct Astigmatism?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a common laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to enhance the focusing of light on the retina. For individuals who have astigmatism, LASIK can iron out the irregular shape of the cornea so that light will enter the eye more evenly and vision will be clearer. If you have astigmatism and are thinking of vision correction surgery, LASIK in Calgary for astigmatism may be the solution for you.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK If I Have Astigmatism?

Most people with astigmatism are good LASIK candidates. But there are some factors that will decide whether the treatment is appropriate for you:

• Level of Astigmatism – LASIK corrects mild to moderate astigmatism well. In case your astigmatism is too high, other surgeries might be suggested.
• Steady Vision Prescription – Your prescription must remain the same for at least a year before LASIK.
• General Eye Health – Your eyes should be healthy, without diseases such as dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, or corneal disease.
• Age Requirements – You must be older than 18 years old and have a stable prescription.
• Corneal Thickness – LASIK needs to have some corneal thickness in order to be safe. If your cornea is too thin, you may want to consider a different procedure for you.

A consultation with an eye clinic can assist in determining whether LASIK is the best option for you.

Benefits of LASIK for Astigmatism

If you qualify for LASIK, there are several advantages to undergoing the procedure:

• Enhanced Vision – LASIK greatly improves vision by reshaping the cornea to focus light correctly on the retina. Most patients attain 20/20 vision or better, enabling them to see clearly without spectacles or contact lenses.
• Rapid Recovery – One of the greatest benefits of LASIK is its rapid recovery. Patients can see improvement in their vision within 24 hours, with little downtime. After a short rest, you can resume regular activities within a few days.
• Long-Term Outcomes – The results of LASIK are typically long-lasting. After the cornea is reshaped, the correction is stable, so you won’t need to worry about constantly changing prescriptions or requiring future procedures.
• Glasses and Contact Independence – LASIK frees patients to do what they want, glasses- and contact-free. You can play sports, drive a car, or just wake up in the morning with sharper vision, without being tied to the limitations of glasses or contacts.
• Minimum Discomfort – LASIK is planned to be fast and minimally uncomfortable. Numbing drops administered pre-operatively keep pthe ain away, and patients report only minimal discomfort or dryness during the initial healing phase.

Why Choose Clarity Laser Vision for LASIK

Many patients achieve excellent vision and enjoy the benefits of reduced dependence on glasses or contacts. To find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK, schedule a consultation at Clarity Laser Vision. Our experienced team at this leading eye clinic in Calgary will provide a thorough evaluation and guide you through the best options for your vision correction needs.