If you have blurry or distorted vision due to astigmatism, you might be wondering whether LASIK is a permanent solution. In recent years, LASIK for astigmatism has become a highly effective option for correcting this common vision problem. But is it a long-lasting fix?
Let’s break down what astigmatism is, how LASIK works to correct it, and whether the results truly last over time.
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the front surface of the eye) is irregularly shaped. Instead of being round like a basketball, it may be shaped more like a football. This uneven curvature causes light to focus improperly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Astigmatism is very common and often occurs alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness.
How LASIK Treats Astigmatism
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) works by reshaping the cornea using a precision laser. In the case of astigmatism, the laser targets the uneven areas of the cornea and smooths them out, allowing light to focus more accurately on the retina.
Modern LASIK technologies such as wavefront-guided LASIK and topography-guided LASIK allow for highly customized treatments, even for irregular astigmatism. These advancements have made LASIK more accurate and successful than ever.
Is LASIK a Permanent Fix?
In most cases, LASIK for astigmatism is a permanent solution. Once the cornea is reshaped, it stays in its new form, and your vision correction typically lasts for many years.
However, a few factors can affect how permanent the results are:
Age: As you age, natural changes in your eyes may affect your vision. This isn't a failure of the LASIK procedure, but a normal part of aging.
Severity of Astigmatism: People with very high levels of astigmatism may need an enhancement procedure later on.
Eye health: Conditions like keratoconus or dry eye syndrome may influence long-term results, although they’re screened out during LASIK evaluations.
Most patients in Singapore experience long-term clarity and satisfaction after LASIK for astigmatism, especially when treated by experienced surgeons using advanced technology.
Can Astigmatism Return After LASIK?
Technically, astigmatism doesn’t “return” after LASIK, but vision changes can occur over time. This may happen due to natural changes in the lens inside the eye or other age-related conditions like presbyopia or cataracts.
In rare cases, a small amount of astigmatism might remain or develop later, but this can often be corrected with a minor LASIK enhancement or glasses for specific tasks like night driving.
Final Thoughts
Yes, LASIK is a permanent solution for astigmatism for most patients. With precise planning and experienced surgeons, LASIK can reshape your cornea to correct blurry vision for the long term.
If you're considering LASIK for astigmatism in Singapore, consult with a certified eye specialist to assess your eligibility and get a customized treatment plan. Clear, sharp vision could be just one procedure away.
