Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common eye disorder that causes blurred vision at all distances. In most cases we can treat astigmatism using laser eye treatment and in the case of more pronounced vision disorders we offer lens surgery,the result is a life without glasses or contact lenses.
Astigmatism – The Problem in Detail
Normal Vision
Good vision requires a sharp image being produced on the retina at the back of the eye. The optical system (cornea, crystalline lens and vitreous body) of a normal eye diverts light rays in a way that they land exactly in focus at the point of best vision on the retina, the so-called makula. This diversion of light rays is called refraction. The total refractive power is expressed in diopters (D). The total refractive power is determined on the basis of the different parts of the optical system. When the total refraction is zero diopters, objects will be depicted sharply on the retina.
Good vision requires a sharp image being produced on the retina at the back of the eye. The optical system (cornea, crystalline lens and vitreous body) of a normal eye diverts light rays in a way that they land exactly in focus at the point of best vision on the retina, the so-called makula. This diversion of light rays is called refraction. The total refractive power is expressed in diopters (D). The total refractive power is determined on the basis of the different parts of the optical system. When the total refraction is zero diopters, objects will be depicted sharply on the retina.
Astigmatism
Ideally the curvature of the cornea is shaped regularly like the surface of a ball. Astigmatism occurs when the corneal surface is more an irregular shape, more like that of an egg. Instead of gathering in a single point, light focuses at several different points both in front of and behind your retina, causing blurred vision. The light is refracted differently through the different curvatures of the cornea, e.g. vertical light rays are refracted differently than horizontal ones. This results in a distorted image, and a dot may appear as a line. The optical correction of astigmatism changes the refractive power of the optical system, allowing light to focus properly for the first time.
Ideally the curvature of the cornea is shaped regularly like the surface of a ball. Astigmatism occurs when the corneal surface is more an irregular shape, more like that of an egg. Instead of gathering in a single point, light focuses at several different points both in front of and behind your retina, causing blurred vision. The light is refracted differently through the different curvatures of the cornea, e.g. vertical light rays are refracted differently than horizontal ones. This results in a distorted image, and a dot may appear as a line. The optical correction of astigmatism changes the refractive power of the optical system, allowing light to focus properly for the first time.
Which Method Is Right for Me?
Both plain astigmatism and astigmatism in combination with other refractive errors can be corrected at Euro Eyes. Prior to treatment, a thorough examination and consultation will be given in order to determine whether or not the patient is a suitable candidate for laser eye treatment. Safety and diagnostics are our absolute priority. If the examination reveals that you aren’t a suitable candidate, you will be offered another solution to correct your refractive error.
Laser Eye Procedure for Correcting Astigmatism
Also in combination with near- or farsightedness
| Procedure | Astigmatism |
|---|---|
| ReLEx smile | up to 5 D |
| eeLASIK / Femto-LASIK * | up to 4 D |
| PRK / LASEK | up to 3 D |
* depending on the corneal diameter
Lens Procedure in Case of Higher Astigmatism
Also in combination with near- or farsightedness
| Procedure | Astigmatism |
|---|---|
| Implantable Toric Contact Lens (ICL) * | up to 6 D |
* Patients younger than 40-45 years
Lens Procedure treating Astigmatism in Combination with Presbyopia
Also in combination with near- or farsightedness
| Procedure | Astigmatism |
|---|---|
| Toric Multifocal Lens * | up to 12 D |
* Patients older than 40-45 yearse
cataract surgery, astigmatism, Myopia, hypermetropia or presbyopia can be corrected together.
Laser eye surgery without flap!