What if I Have Astigmatism?

October 6, 2017

Astigmatism occurs when your cornea is more oval-shaped than round. An analogy Dr. Al-Ghoul will use is that with astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like an American football, rather than like a basketball. This results in light focusing on two different planes inside your eye, causing ghosting or blurring of images. At Clarity Laser Vision, we often hear from patients that they were previously told their astigmatism could not be fixed with refractive eye surgery. In the past, this may have been the case for many patients; however, this is no longer true.

Approximately 50% of all people with myopia or hyperopia also have astigmatism. The Schwind Amaris Laser System can sculpt the cornea to create better symmetry, thereby correcting astigmatism, be it on its own or accompanied by myopia or hyperopia. The majority of laser eye surgery is performed on patients with astigmatism up to 6.00 diopters. Other refractive surgery options that also correct astigmatism include the Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) and the Artisan Phakic IOL (intraocular lens), which both correct up to 2.5 diopters of astigmatism.

Interested in refractive surgery, but concerned about your astigmatism? Not sure which refractive surgery option is best for you? Call Clarity Laser Vision today to book a consultation and learn more about the available options and treatments!