Can LASIK Cure My Astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK can often correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, leading to blurred or distorted vision. LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea to correct these irregularities, thereby improving vision.

Here is LASIK Surgeon, Dr. Christopher McCurry to explain what astigmatism is and how LASIK can correct astigmatism.

Do you experience blurry or distorted vision, especially at night or when looking at faraway objects? If so, you might have astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. But what exactly is it, and how can it be treated?

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects how your eyes focus light. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the cornea or lens is more oval-shaped, resembling a football. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

Astigmatism – is the result of the cornea (the front of the eye) becoming more of an asymmetrical shape instead of its normally round curve. During the LASIK procedure, a LasikPlus surgeon uses a special laser that’s programmed to reshape the cornea to be more spherical, correcting the way that it will bend and focus light.

Types of Astigmatism

Astigmatism can be classified into two main types based on its location:

1. Corneal Astigmatism: This type occurs when the cornea is misshapen. It is the most common form of astigmatism.
2. Lenticular Astigmatism: This type occurs when the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape.

Astigmatism can also be categorized by how the irregular shape of the cornea or lens affects vision:

1. Regular Astigmatism: The principal meridians (the steepest and flattest parts of the cornea) are perpendicular to each other. This type is the most common and can often be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
2. Irregular Astigmatism: The principal meridians are not perpendicular. This type is less common and usually results from an injury, surgery, or an eye condition like keratoconus. It often requires specialized contact lenses or other treatments.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

The symptoms of astigmatism can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Eye strain or discomfort
• Headaches
• Squinting

Many people with mild astigmatism may not notice any symptoms, while those with more significant astigmatism may experience considerable vision problems that impact their daily activities.

Causes of Astigmatism

Astigmatism is often hereditary, meaning it can be passed down from parents to children. It can also develop after an eye injury, eye surgery, or as a result of other eye conditions. Contrary to popular belief, astigmatism is not caused or worsened by reading in low light or sitting too close to the television.

Does LASIK Work for Astigmatism?

The short answer is: yes! LASIK surgery is considered one of the best ways of permanently and effectively treating astigmatism.

Tailored to address the issues related to astigmatism, LASIK surgery provides the opportunity to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts.

Are There Types of Astigmatism that LASIK Can’t Fix?

Most patients who are good candidates for LASIK will be able to proceed with laser eye surgery for astigmatism. But while most types of astigmatism can be easily treated with LASIK surgery, there are a few that cannot. For example, irregular astigmatism may not be able to be corrected by LASIK.

During your free 60-90 minute consultation, a qualified LASIK specialist will determine if you’re a candidate for laser vision correction, depending on your type of astigmatism.

Will Your Insurance Cover the Cost of LASIK for Astigmatism?

Insurance companies consider LASIK for astigmatism an “elective treatment,” no matter how necessary the procedure is.

But don’t lose hope! LasikPlus offers LASIK discounts through most insurance & vision plans. Head over to our Insurance Plans page to see if your provider is listed.

Our financial coordinator will be able to help you during your free LASIK examination, to check your insurance to determine which discount you may be able to apply, and can assist in filing the claim on our behalf if an allowance pertains.

After Getting LASIK for my Astigmatism, How Long Will it Take to Recover?

While most of the patients who get LASIK for astigmatism notice a difference right away, it usually takes your eyes about three to six months to fully recover and heal.

To ensure that you make a safe and full recovery, and to prevent any unforeseen complications, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-LASIK instructions as close as possible.

Even though there are types of astigmatism that LASIK can’t treat, you always have options- and the team at LasikPlus is here to help! Call us today (877) 679-4937 to talk with a licensed professional and see if LASIK is the right choice for you.

The post Can LASIK Cure My Astigmatism? appeared first on LasikPlus.

To make matters even more confusing, some of the terms seem counterintuitive. (A patient is farsighted, but she has trouble seeing objects near her.) Additionally, doctors refer to refractive errors in clinical terms the patient might not be familiar with. In this article, we clear up questions like:

• What causes refractive errors?
• What’s the difference between presbyopia and hyperopia?
• Which refractive errors can be treated by laser vision correction?

The four main types of refractive error are myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. They are all caused by irregularities in the shape and angle of light as it passes through the eye.

Light enters the eye and is focused by the cornea and the lens onto the retina. The retina then sends the image to the brain via the optic nerve. If you’ve ever focused a camera lens or a projector image, you know that the tiniest change of distance makes the difference between a clear or blurry image. Refractive errors are different ways in which those distances can be imperfect.

Descriptions of Common Refractive Errors

Clinical term: myopia

Popular term: nearsighted, shortsighted

What it means: Eyes that are longer or more curved than normal cause light to focus too early, making it come to a point before it hits the retina. As a result, close-up objects are in focus, but ones further away are blurry.

Clinical term: hyperopia

Popular term: farsighted

What it means: Eyes that are shorter or flatter than normal cause light to focus too late, making it come to a point after it hits the retina. As a result, distant objects are clear, but close-up ones are blurry.

Clinical term: presbyopia

Popular term:aging eyes

What it means:Because the effects are similar, presbyopia is sometimes confused with hyperopia. However, the causes are different. Presbyopia occurs as people age, and the lenses of the eyes lose some of their flexibility. As a result, patients have difficulty focusing on close images. Presbyopia can occur in conjunction with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Clinical term: astigmatism

Popular term:astigmatism

What it means:The clinical term is often used by laymen to describe an irregularly-shaped eye. Specifically, it means that the entire surface of either the cornea or the lens is not perfectly curved. Similar to an old, warped window, an imperfect corneal or lens surface results in an unclear visual image.

LASIK Treatment Options

LASIK is capable of correcting myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. A technique performed with LASIK, called monovision can correct presbyopia. However, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure, and an ophthalmologist must evaluate a number of factors to determine a patient’s candidacy. These factors include the patient’s refractive error, corneal thickness and overall eye health. Additionally, a patient must be at least 18 years of age and have a stable eyeglass prescription for one year.

Each patient and her circumstances are different. Consult with a qualified LASIK specialist to see if laser vision correction is right for you.

The post Why Does Your Vision Get Worse? (Updated 2020) appeared first on LasikPlus.

Did you go in for a preoperative LASIK consultation and learn that you weren’t a candidate for the procedure? Don’t give up hope. Other LASIK alternatives are available. There are several reasons that a LASIK doctor may determine that you are not an ideal candidate for the procedure. For instance, some patients have very thin corneas, severe refractive errors or other conditions that prevent them from undergoing LASIK. However, these patients can consider other procedures.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

These options do not involve surgery but can help improve vision. Over time, however, they may not be cost-effective or prevent age-related eye conditions like cataracts, which may eventually require surgery.

Pros:

• Non-surgical alternative
• Versatile (can choose provider, frames, customized lens)
• Doubles as a fashion accessory, offering style and functionality
• Initial low-cost investment
• Vision insurance can help cover some of the cost

Cons:

• Yearly prescription rechecks
• Yearly cost for upkeep & replacement
• Lack of convenience & flexibility
• Limited peripheral vision or peripheral distortion
• Dry eyes
• Frequency of eye infections
• Long term cost

LASIK Alternatives: Refractive Eye Surgery Alternatives

These are eye surgery procedures that are similar to LASIK and are most appropriate for those that do not qualify for the specific LASIK type procedure based on candidacy

Pros:

• Bladed and Bladeless technology
• Fast recovery
• Customized approach based on technology available and candidacy
• Convenience of lifestyle
• Lifetime benefit
• Flap and no flap options

Cons:

• Surgical approach
• Initial higher cost investment
• Possible discomfort during healing
• Considered elective surgery therefore insurance doesn’t cover cost

LASIK Alternatives: Lens Replacement Alternatives

These surgical options focus on replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one, and are typically more appropriate for individuals with cataracts or certain corneal conditions.

Pros:

• Possibility of having it covered under medical insurance
• Some procedures can be reversed
• More permanent solution than glasses and contacts
• Another solution for vision correction if not qualified for anything else

Cons:

• Surgical approach
• Limited long-term data for certain procedures
• Can be a rather costly alternative
• Recovery time can vary and be up to about 8 weeks depending on type of lens replacement procedure

Is LASIK Right for Me?

Before deciding on vision correction surgery, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional. They can evaluate your unique needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you. Factors such as your eye health, prescription, and lifestyle all play a crucial role in determining the best procedure.

Ready to explore LASIK alternatives or find out if LASIK is right for you? Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation with our local team at LasikPlus. We’ll assess your candidacy and discuss the best treatment options tailored to your needs.

Important: Choosing the right vision correction procedure is a life-changing decision. Consult our qualified eye care professionals to explore your options and achieve clear vision.

The post LASIK Alternatives: If You’re not LASIK Candidate appeared first on LasikPlus.

Six-time Olympic medalist Bode Miller is one athlete in Sochi experiencing the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. After finishing eighth in the men’s downhill skiing competition recently, he expressed regret over not getting LASIK eye surgery prior to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games.

According to USA Today, Miller was going to get laser vision correction before the games, but “just never found a time to do it because the race schedule was so tight.

“Cloud cover created a flat-light condition for the downhill competition. This condition made it harder to read the upcoming terrain, especially at high speeds.”

“When the light’s perfect, I can ski with any of the best guys in the world,” says Miller. “When it goes out, my particular style suffers.”

Regret or Excuse?

Miller’s comments about impaired vision impacting his performance, interpreted by some as an excuse, beg a question.

Would Bode Miller, one of the most successful alpine skiers in American history, have performed better after getting LASIK treatment?

Miller’s final downhill training run, and his performance since the event, supports his assumption. Miller was the fastest skier prior to his official downhill performance and he tied for a bronze medal in the Super-G competition – both of these performances took place during much clearer conditions than the downhill event.

Miller’s bronze medal means he has earned the second-highest number of Olympic medals for a male ski racer and tied for the second highest among U.S. Winter Olympians in any sport. These accomplishments are unprecedented. But his vision problem, and the impact it’s had on his active lifestyle, is far from unique unfortunately.

An Expert Weighs In

“Miller is one of the more than 11 million Americans experiencing vision problems due to refractive errors,” says Sally Thompson, M.D., a LASIK surgeon based in Salt Lake City, UT.

The most common refractive errors, nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, are caused by light not bending — or refracting — correctly as it hits the eye. This prevents a patient’s eyes from focusing light from nearby objects or distant surroundings into sharp images.

“Better visual acuity is a benefit of LASIK surgery,” says Dr. Thompson. “Some patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision and report seeing details more clearly after the eye surgery. But the outcome of LASIK eye surgery can vary from patient to patient. This is because each patient’s eyes are shaped differently and they can also heal differently.”

Considering All Potential Factors

Cold, wintery weather conditions can also impact the eyesight of anyone engaging in outdoor activities.

“The dry winter air evaporates the moisture in your eyes more quickly than it does in humid summer air,” says Dr. Thompson. “This reduces the production of tears, which help keep your eyes moist. This time of year, it’s common to experience dryness, or a burning, itching sensation in your eyes — even more so for individuals wearing contacts.  Avoiding this potential eye irritation and getting clear vision is something from which anyone can benefit.”

Beyond physical discomfort, a more esoteric element to consider is the impact an athlete’s mental state can have on sports performance. In fact, a study from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center suggests LASIK surgery can improve a patient’s self-esteem, optimism and other psychological functions.

“We have certainly seen the mood of a LASIK patient improve with an improvement in his vision,” says Dr. Thompson.

Vision & Your Active Lifestyle

It’s impossible to determine whether or not LASIK would have improved Miller’s performance. His hard-earned accomplishments make him a living legend, even if he regrets choosing to postpone his LASIK eye surgery.

But no one suffering from a refractive error has to risk similar regret and frustration. By researching LASIK surgery, and consulting with a qualified LASIK doctor, she can take steps to improve her vision and she will experience the benefits it can bring to her life.

The post Would LASIK Have Brought Bode Miller Olympic Gold? appeared first on LasikPlus.

According to the American Medical Association, a “condition” refers to a medical state that requires monitoring and possibly treatment, but the patient’s overall health is not affected. A “disease” usually has a negative effect on the patient’s health. Diseases almost always require prompt treatment.

Below are a few of the most common types of eye conditions and diseases, including their causes, common symptoms and likely treatments.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are some of the most common eye conditions and include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (irregularly-shaped cornea) and presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing, often occurs when reading). These errors are caused by the eyes’ inability to properly bend (or refract) light.

Common symptom: All refractive errors caused blurred vision.

Treatment: Refractive errors are normally corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. However, the type and severity of the error affects the treatment options best suited to address the issue.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that prevents light from reaching the retina. Cataracts often form slowly and have variety of causes. While they are common, their ongoing presence in a patient’s eye is usually due to lack of professional care.
Common symptom: Patients experience glare when viewing lights at night.

Treatment: Cataracts are often successfully removed surgically.

Glaucoma

The term refers to a group of eye diseases that cause the optic nerve to deteriorate, usually because the normal drainage of fluid inside the eye slows, and an unhealthy level of pressure builds up inside the eye and damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma can be divided into two categories.

• Open-angle glaucoma is a slowly developing condition that often progresses painlessly for extended periods of time. Often, a patient only notices the problem after her vision is significantly obstructed, which can take years.
• Closed-angle glaucoma comes on very rapidly and is often painful. It can be caused by an injury, infection or other disorder. It can progress quickly, but its startling nature normally results in the patient rapidly seeking professional care.

Common symptom: Narrowing of the field of vision so that peripheral vision disappears.

Treatment: Glaucoma can be treated with prescription eyedrops or surgery.

Retinal Disorders

The retina is the lining of the back of the eye. When functioning appropriately, its cells transfer images to the brain. A variety of diseases can affect the retina.

Age-related macular degeneration is a disorder that affects the macula, the central part of the retina, and therefore manifests in damage to central vision. It can occur in both wet and dry types.
Wet AMD results when blood vessels grow abnormally under the macula, leading to bleeding or leaking.
Dry AMD results when the macula progressively thins, leading to vision blurring. This is the more common type of AMD.

Common symptom: Drusen — tiny yellow or white spots under the retina.

Treatment: Medication and laser therapy are often used to treat macular degeneration.

Diabetic retinopathy
This condition is the leading cause of blindness in adults in the United States. The blood vessels of the retina become blocked and deteriorate. Unlike many other eye issues, diabetic retinopathy often affects both eyes simultaneously.

Common symptom: Diabetic retinopathy often presents no initial symptoms.

Treatment: Disease management includes steps to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid levels.

Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the supportive layers of tissue in the wall of the eye. A tear in the retina that allows fluid to escape and separate the retinal tissue can cause the retinal detachment.

Common symptom: A sudden dark or light spot in the field of vision.

Treatment: Retinal detachment is treated with surgery.

As with many other health issues, early diagnosis is always helpful when dealing with eye conditions and eye diseases. In some cases, it can determine whether successful treatment is possible. If you notice changes in your eye health, or the eye health of a family member, visit your ophthalmologist or optometrist as soon as possible to describe the changes, investigate the cause and determine the best course of action.

The post Eye Conditions & Eye Diseases: What’s What? appeared first on LasikPlus.

Types of Refractive Errors & When They Occur

The most common refractive errors are nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. All of these are caused by light not bending — or refracting — correctly as it hits the eye. Nearsighted individuals have difficulty seeing objects far away. Farsighted individuals have difficulty seeing objects up close. Those with astigmatism have football-shaped eyes, which causes objects to appear blurry.

Most children have clear distance and up-close vision. Starting in adolescence, some develop a refractive error and need corrective lenses. The prescription for these lenses may change often from adolescence into early adulthood. In adulthood the prescription stabilizes and varies little thereafter.

As many people enter middle age, they develop a condition called presbyopia. This is caused by the natural lens of the eye becoming inflexible, which affects the ability to see up close.

Types of Vision Correction

Glasses are the oldest method of refractive vision correction and have been around for hundreds of years. Contact lenses have been available since the 1950s. Both glasses and contacts change how light focuses on the retina, which corrects the refractive error and improves vision. Reading glasses help those with presbyopia see up close.

Since the 1990s, a laser vision correction method called LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) has been available as a third option to correct refractive vision problems. LASIK reduces or eliminates refractive errors by changing the structure of the cornea, which is located on the front surface of the eye. This restores visual function.

LASIK is a two-step process. First, the doctor uses a laser to create a flap in the eye’s cornea to preserve the skin of the eye called the epithelium. In the second step, the doctor uses another laser to etch an individual’s own corrective lens prescription on the cornea below the flap. The flap is then put back in place.

No stitches are used in LASIK, and healing is fast for the majority of patients. In fact, many are able to return to work the next day. Numbing drops are used, so patients experience very little discomfort. While side effects and complications may occur, they are rare and usually temporary.

Patients with presbyopia may benefit from monovision LASIK. Monovision corrects one eye’s distance refractive error, while the other eye is left mildly nearsighted for near vision.

Symptoms Versus Cause

Glasses and contact lenses only improve the symptoms of refractive errors. LASIK reshapes the surface of the eye, therefore addressing the structural cause of blurry vision due to refractive errors. This allows the eye to focus without the use of glasses or contacts. LASIK addresses the cause of refractive errors, not just the symptoms.

Each person’s eyes are different. Always consult with a trusted, experienced ophthalmologist to determine which vision correction solution is best for you.

The post Common Vision Problems & How They Are Corrected appeared first on LasikPlus.

LASIK Is So High-Tech, It’s Simple

LASIK is a refractive vision correction procedure used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (an irregularly-shaped cornea). In many cases, it can be an effective permanent solution for individuals who rely on glasses or contacts to correct their vision.

LASIK is an outpatient surgery that takes as little as 15 to 20 minutes to complete. During the procedure, an ophthalmologist opens a small flap from the outer most portion of the cornea (or front of the eye) and, with the use of a medical laser, reshapes the inner layers. Then the flap is replaced into its original position, and antibiotic eyedrops are applied onto the eye’s surface. Usually both eyes are corrected during the procedure, one right after the other.

Trusted Technology

For use as an elective procedure, LASIK eye surgery was originally researched and developed in the 1980s and was approved for treatment of the general population by the Food and Drug Administration in 1989. Since its approval, the technology behind the procedure has continued to evolve, improving patient satisfaction by making LASIK more customizable to the patient’s eyes, and more precise than ever before. The U.S. Air Force now approves of (and even performs) LASIK for troops.

Short-Term Efficacy

Most patients who undergo LASIK see an improvement in their vision within the first thirty to sixty minutes following the procedure. For some, that time may be even shorter. It’s important to remember that each patient’s eyes are different — even eyes within the same head — and each eye may respond differently to the LASIK procedure. There is no guarantee that a patient who undergoes LASIK will have 20/20 vision; however, studies have shown that the majority of patients, studied post-LASIK, experience a dramatic improvement in their vision — usually 20/40 or better without glasses or contacts.

Long-Term Efficacy

Many of the patients who received the early LASIK procedures still enjoy good health, and it has been possible for physicians and researchers to monitor results over the course of several years. An example of this research was published in Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery describing one study that followed seven LASIK patients over the course of 11 years. This study found that at the end of 11 years, over half of the patients’ eyes corrected were within one diopter of their six month post-LASIK visit refraction. A diopter is the unit of measurement shown in your eyeglass prescription; one diopter would be shown as plus or minus 1.00. Basically this study showed LASIK-corrected vision to be reasonably stable over the course of the study. Additionally, a report of studies done between 1997 and 2001 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology further supports that, for people needing mild to moderate vision correction, LASIK is a safe and effective means of replacing the daily dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Unfortunately, as people age, changes occur inside the eye, behind the corneal area corrected by the LASIK procedure. The most common of these changes is an opacification of the lens known as cataracts. With cataracts — or other eye conditions not related to LASIK — a patient’s post-procedure vision may change. The LASIK procedure itself carries some risks and possible complications, which could affect the corneal surface and impact vision. During an individualized consultation, a doctor will explain all the risks and benefits of LASIK. LASIK care centers also monitor any change in vision afterwards to ensure that patients maintain the best sight possible. As for individual expectations, almost all patients experience a dramatic improvement in vision that stays relatively stable unless another, unrelated eye condition comes into play.

What if My Vision Changes After LASIK?

Occasionally, it’s necessary for patients to have a second LASIK procedure to refine or enhance their corrected vision. This typically takes place during a visit, several years after the initial procedure. If an additional LASIK procedure is required, the refinement procedure is almost identical to the original; however, it may carry a slightly higher risk, which — if managed properly by an experienced LASIK surgeon — is balanced by the potential benefit.

LASIK has shown to be a reasonably safe procedure and has a significantly high success rate; it allows many people to enjoy the benefit of better vision. LASIK is, however, still a medical procedure, and the decision to have the procedure should be made after consulting with and receiving a full eye exam from an ophthalmologist who can best determine a person’s individual outcome.

The post How Effective Is LASIK? appeared first on LasikPlus.