Key Takeaways
- Astigmatism affects the shape of your cornea and makes vision blurry at all distances.
- Laser eye surgery can reshape your cornea to help light focus properly.
- Your eye doctor can measure your prescription to check if you qualify.
- Results can last for many years and improve your vision.
- You can ask our team about financial plans to help manage the cost.
LASIK Can Mean Clearer Vision
LASIK surgery can help correct astigmatism by reshaping your cornea to improve how your eye focuses light. Our team at Total Vision Carlsbad Plaza can evaluate your eyes to see if this procedure fits your vision goals.
What Astigmatism Does to Your Vision
Your cornea sits at the front of your eye and helps focus incoming light. In a normal eye, the cornea is shaped like a basketball and focuses light evenly. In an eye with astigmatism, however, the cornea is shaped more like an egg, which causes it to focus light unevenly.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
You might notice several signs that indicate an uneven corneal shape.
- Frequent headaches or eye strain after reading or computer work.
- Trouble seeing clearly at night, which makes driving feel unsafe.
- Blurry vision that affects objects both up close and far away.
How LASIK Reshapes Your Eyes
Modern laser technology can reshape your cornea, helping your eyes to correctly focus light. This is accomplished by using a laser to remove tiny amounts of tissue. The procedure takes only a few minutes per eye.
The Surgery Process
Your eye doctor will provide you with numbing drops before the procedure begins. The surgery itself involves creating a small flap on the surface of your eye, then using a laser to adjust the corneal tissue underneath. Most people can return home the same day to rest.
Limits on LASIK
LASIK can be used to correct many cases of astigmatism, as well as both near- and farsightedness. However, some severe cases of astigmatism can’t be corrected by the procedure. Your eye doctor in Carlsbad can check the strength of your prescription to confirm you fall within a safe treatment range.
Signs You Qualify for Surgery
Before recommending you for surgery, your eye doctor will look for specific health markers. For example, your vision prescription must remain stable for a full year, and your corneas need to be thick enough to safely support the surgery.
Age & Health Requirements
Patients need to be at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure. This is because vision usually stabilizes in early adulthood. Good general health helps support a smooth recovery.
Health Factors to Consider
Certain physical conditions can impact your eligibility.
- Hormone changes during pregnancy and nursing can affect vision stability.
- Severe dry eyes and thin corneas can increase surgical risks.
- Unmanaged diabetes and certain heart conditions can slow down healing.
Long Term Results & Vision Changes
Many patients enjoy clear vision after surgery without reaching for contacts or glasses every morning. These improvements can stay stable for many years.
Close Vision Needs As You Age
The natural process of aging makes close vision harder for everyone. A laser procedure doesn’t stop these normal changes from happening, so you’ll likely still need reading glasses later in life.
Financial Factors & Insurance Options
Most health plans consider laser eye correction an elective procedure. The overall cost varies based on your prescription needs and the anatomy of your eye. You can ask your eye care team about payment plans to spread out the expense.
Typical Insurance Rules
Standard insurance policies rarely cover the total cost of an elective eye surgery, but some vision plans do offer partial discounts to help reduce your out of pocket expenses. Always check your policy details before scheduling any appointments.
Preparation & Next Steps
You need to stop wearing contacts and switch to glasses before your evaluation. This gives your cornea time to return to its natural resting shape. Write down questions that you have for your eye doctor beforehand.
At Total Vision Carlsbad Plaza, our experienced team provides tailored eye care solutions for your entire family. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your vision goals and find the right path forward for your eyes.
