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About one in three people suffers from astigmatism, yet many would be surprised to know so many others also suffer from this condition. While common, astigmatism is often misunderstood, and many don’t know that LASIK surgery can treat it.
What is Astigmatism?
A normal cornea’s shape should mimic that of a baseball. A person with astigmatism has a cornea that is shaped more like a football. Because the cornea is oddly shaped, light bends unequally as it enters the eye, causing vision distortion or blurriness.
Some people with astigmatism might frequently squint in an effort to see clearly because astigmatism can make it hard to focus on fine details or objects. Squinting too much can cause headaches from the strain of trying to focus.
Regular vs. Irregular Astigmatism
Regular astigmatism, the most common type of this condition, is found in almost half of the adult population. Irregular astigmatism is less common and can be caused by eye disease, surgery or injury. The most common cause of irregular astigmatism is a disease called keratoconus, which gradually thins the cornea, typically in the second decade of life. Irregular astigmatism can be difficult to treat with eye glasses. Custom contacts may be useful depending on the severity of irregular astigmatism.
Can Laser Eye Surgery Treat Astigmatism?
Depending on the type and severity of astigmatism, the condition can often be treated with laser eye surgery. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the inner layer of the cornea to correct astigmatism. It is important to determine which type of astigmatism you have in order to determine which eye treatment option is best for you.
LASIK eye surgery has proven an effective treatment for people with mild or moderate astigmatism. LASIK is also a convenient option for physically active people who find eye glasses or contacts a nuisance, even if they don’t have astigmatism.