4 Astigmatism Surgery Options That You Should Know
Having refractive surgery improves vision and reduces the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Reshaping the cornea with a laser beam corrects the refractive error by reshaping the curves. Doctors will evaluate you before deciding whether you are a candidate for refractive surgery. (6)
Astigmatism can be treated by refractive surgery in several ways:
- Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
An eye surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap in the cornea with this procedure. Using an excimer laser, the cornea is sculpted and then the flap is repositioned.
- Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)
A special alcohol is used to loosen the cornea’s thin protective layer (epithelium), instead of creating a flap in the cornea. The cornea is curled with an excimer laser and then the loose epithelium is repositioned.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Similar to LASEK, but with the epithelium removed by the surgeon instead. As the cornea grows back, a new shape will form. For a few days following surgical intervention, you may need to wear a bandage contact lens.
- Epi-LASIK
This is an advanced variation or technique of LASEK. Instead of alcohol, the surgeon uses a mechanized blunt blade to separate a thin layer of epithelium. The cornea is then reshaped and adjusted with the help of excimer laser.
- Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)
In this newer form of refractive surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea by creating a lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) beneath the surface. A very small and clean incision is made to remove the lenticule. SMILE is currently approved for the treatment of mild nearsightedness.
Clear lens extraction and implantable contact lenses are other types of refractive surgeries. If you are considering refractive surgery, you should discuss your options with your surgeon after a thorough evaluation.