Hello,
This is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic.
Many people considering vision correction surgery ask:
“Can I undergo LASEK if I have astigmatism?”
Although LASEK is often thought of as a procedure that corrects only myopia, having astigmatism does not necessarily mean that surgery is not an option.
However, suitability cannot be determined based solely on the prescription. Several factors must be considered, including the degree and axis of astigmatism, as well as the shape and thickness of the cornea.
For this reason, eligibility for surgery should be determined only after a comprehensive eye examination and a thorough evaluation of each patient’s ocular condition.
What exactly is astigmatism, and can it be corrected with Two-Day LASEK?
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea does not have an evenly rounded curvature in every direction. Instead, it may be shaped more like a rugby ball, with different curvatures along different meridians.
As a result, incoming light cannot focus on a single point. It is scattered across multiple points, causing blurred, distorted, or overlapping images.
Because both the degree and axis of astigmatism must be considered during correction, some patients worry that severe astigmatism may make LASEK difficult.
However, the presence of astigmatism does not automatically rule out LASEK.
Today, Two-Day LASEK may be used to correct both myopia and astigmatism. After a comprehensive examination, the axis and amount of astigmatism, as well as the overall condition of the eyes, are carefully assessed to develop an individualized surgical plan.
Precise Laser Delivery Is Essential for Astigmatism Correction
When correcting astigmatism, it is important to consider not only the required amount of correction but also how accurately the laser is delivered along the appropriate astigmatic axis.
Because the eye may move slightly during surgery, failure to compensate for these movements in real time could cause a discrepancy between the planned and actual treatment areas.
The AMARIS RED system used for Two-Day LASEK features seven-dimensional eye-tracking technology. It is designed to analyze the eye’s movement, speed, direction, and rotation while predicting its next position to guide laser delivery.
Its high repetition rate of 1,050 Hz also enables rapid laser delivery. This may shorten the procedure and help minimize the amount of time the corneal tissue is exposed to external stimulation.
Delivering the planned amount of laser energy to the intended location plays an important role in accurately reflecting both the axis and degree of astigmatism.
What Technologies Are Used in Two-Day LASEK?
Two-Day LASEK incorporates various technologies designed to support precise vision correction.
One feature is a small 0.54 mm laser spot, which allows the targeted area to be treated with greater precision.
Optical technology designed to reduce light scattering also helps the laser beam maintain its original size as it reaches the intended treatment area.
The low-energy smoothing system performs most of the correction using standard laser energy and then gently smooths the remaining area at a lower energy level. This may help create a more even corneal surface.
A thermal energy distribution system is also used to prevent heat from repeatedly concentrating in the same location, thereby helping to reduce thermal stress on the tissue.
These technologies are used to treat the required areas more precisely and to carry out a vision correction plan tailored to each patient’s ocular condition.
The Same Method Is Not Suitable for Every Type of Astigmatism
The degree and axis of astigmatism must be evaluated together with corneal thickness and shape, the degree of myopia, and overall eye health.
Depending on the examination results, another type of vision correction procedure may be more appropriate.
For this reason, suitability for surgery should be determined only after a comprehensive eye examination. Developing a surgical plan based on the individual condition of the eyes is an important part of achieving a satisfactory outcome.
The degree and axis of astigmatism vary from person to person, as does the structure of the eye. Therefore, the same surgical approach cannot be applied uniformly to everyone.
Eligibility for surgery should be determined after a comprehensive examination and careful evaluation.
Satisfactory vision correction outcomes depend not only on precise laser equipment but also on an accurate diagnosis and a well-structured surgical plan.
If you are considering vision correction for astigmatism, please consult an eye care professional near Paju to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your eyes.
Thank you.