Astigmatism Treatment at Optilase Northern Ireland

Perhaps one of the lesser well known refractive errors that can be treated with Laser Eye Surgery, astigmatism is often present in one or both corneas.

Named after the Greek words “without” (a) “a point” (stigma), astigmatism affects vision clarity by way of distorting incoming light.

In cases of astigmatism, light rays are projected onto numerous points at the back of the eye, rather than just one.

Measured in cylinders during a routine eye exam, astigmatism can develop in tangent with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).

Since astigmatism is usually diagnosed by an optician, prescription lenses are the most commonly used solution to cancel out the visual disturbance caused by astigmatism.

At Optilase Northern Ireland, Laser Eye Surgery can also be used to correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea so that light can land on the retina is one single and entirely accurate beam.

Meridians in the eye

The presence of astigmatism directly relates to the shape of the cornea, which is naturally designed to be a round, transparent layer of connective tissue at the front of the eye.

Within each cornea there are two main meridians, one vertical and one horizontal – imagine a plus (+) sign located in each eye – each of which has a certain focal power.

In a perfectly round cornea, the meridians are equally balanced, but when the cornea is irregularly shaped the meridians are uneven, each with a different focal power.

Glasses issued to correct this meridian imbalance match the difference in power between the horizontal and vertical meridian.

Long term correction of astigmatism

Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase Belfast, Newry and Derry/Londonderry can treat astigmatism as well as any other refractive error that may be present.

An Excimer Laser is used during any astigmatism-correcting procedure to reshape the cornea so that light can land without incident on the centre of the retina at the back of the eye.

Laser Eye Surgery for astigmatism removes tissue from the cornea to redefine its refraction capabilities and allow patients to experience clear vision unaided by glasses or contact lenses.

During your free consultation, a tailored vision correction treatment will be outlined based on the degree of astigmatism present.

To find out more about Laser Eye Surgery for astigmatism, book your free consultation on 08000 121 565.