Lasik is highly efficacious for the main forms of visual aberration correction (namely sphere and cylinder). The main consideration is the risk of the astigmatism returning following the procedure. If suitable, patients may be recommended an adjunctive procedure called collagen cross-linking which has been demonstrated to be efficacious in reducing the degree and frequency of astigmatism recurrence.
Question
How effective is LASIK for fixing astigmatism?
Doctor's Answers 2
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error, just like hyperopia (long-sightedness) and myopia (short-sightedness). Hence, it can be effectively corrected through LASIK
To be clear, there are three types of laser vision correction (LVC) available in Singapore:
- LASIK
- PRK
- ReLEx SMILE
LVC can potentially correct up to -4.00 diopters of astigmatism. Anything higher can result in a higher rate of regression and more unpredictable results.
Based on the shape of your cornea, your surgeon may recommend including collagen cross-linking on top of your LASIK. It will provide an added level of safety. Thus the laser results may last longer.
Do speak to your eye surgeon during your pre-laser evaluation to ascertain the type of laser most suited for your eyes.
Similar Questions
Is it possible to have perfect eyesight but blurry vision after Epi-LASIK surgery?
Hi, The term ‘perfect eyesight’ can be somewhat misleading as it could mean different things. When we check eyesight (visual acuity), we are asked to read a chart with smaller and smaller letters. One of the line of small letters near the bottom is called the 6/6 line, and if a person can read the letters on that line, some people would call that ‘perfect eyesight’. But being able to read or make out the letters does not necessarily mean that those letters are perfectly clear.
How long is the recovery period for Epi-Lasik before my vision stabilizes? Can I still go for enhancement after Epi-Lasik?
Epi-LASIK (which is essentially photorefractive keratectomy/PRK) refers to laser treatment of the surface of the cornea, after the surface layer of epithelial cells has been peeled away. After treatment, the surface of the eye/cornea is ‘raw’ and has no epithelial covering. This epithelial layer grows back eventually, but the time it takes to grow back and become normal again is what causes the delayed healing of epi-LASIK/PRK versus conventional bladeless/femtosecond laser LASIK.
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