Astigmatism

I am 53 years old and had one shortsighted eye and one very lazy eye, and also a high astigmatism in both eyes (-4.5D of astigmatism)… Then I found Professor Dan Reinstein at the London Vision Clinic, who had the expertise to correct my vision. I found him extremely professional and felt at ease from the beginning. — Jackie P. of Stevenage, Hertford

How laser eye surgery is an effective treatment for astigmatism

The blurring of small print, difficulty reading, the inability to see both near and far without squinting, constant headache and fatigue—all symptoms that will be familiar to someone suffering from astigmatism. Laser eye surgery is an effective treatment for astigmatism without the need to wear glasses or specialist contact lenses.

Alternatives treatments for astigmatism

Treating astigmatism is slightly more complex than treating either myopia or hyperopia because astigmatism requires correction in more than one plane. Think of myopia or hyperopia as an eye that is simply 'out of tune'—like a poorly focused telescope. Astigmatism on the other hand is more akin to distorted glass—any correction must take account of every astigmatic distortion.

Traditionally, the use of cylindrical lenses treats astigmatism in the form of either glasses or contact lenses. In the hands of an expert laser eye surgeon it is possible to correct astigmatic vision using LASIK or PRK / LASEK.

What is astigmatism?

The outermost part of the eye, the cornea is a transparent layer that covers the iris, the pupil, and the lens. Rather than being a simple 'window', the cornea refracts or bends light and helps to focus it onto the retina. Any irregularity in the cornea's shape therefore results in incorrect focusing of light and in blurred vision. In short, astigmatism is image distortion that results from an improperly shaped cornea.

A normal cornea is spherical, with astigmatism however, the cornea is elliptical—more like a rugby ball. The effect is that light passing through an astigmatic cornea will have two points of focus and not create a single, sharp image on the retina.

If you suffer from astigmatism

You may be an ideal candidate for laser eye surgery. Contact a patient education consultant on 0800 587 4705 to learn more the treatment for astigmatism and about our experiences in treating patients like you.