Can you have laser surgery on your eyes if you have astigmatism?

// Augenlaserzentrum Franken

What is astigmatism?

With an ideal cornea shape, light rays are evenly focused and hit the retina with pinpoint accuracy, resulting in clear vision. With astigmatism, on the other hand, the cornea is irregularly shaped, similar to a rugby ball. This means that light rays are not focused correctly and hit the retina as a line instead of a point, resulting in blurred or distorted images.

Is laser treatment possible for astigmatism?

Yes, laser eye surgery is a proven method for correcting astigmatism. Even if you also have nearsightedness or farsightedness, laser treatment can help improve visual acuity. However, there are certain requirements:

• Extent of curvature: For astigmatism of up to 5 diopters, laser treatment is usually possible.
• Corneal thickness: A sufficient thickness of the cornea is necessary to perform the procedure safely.
• General eye health: There should be no other eye diseases such as keratoconus (a pathological deformation of the cornea).

A thorough preliminary examination is essential to determine whether laser treatment is possible in your individual case.

What laser treatments are there?

There are various procedures available to correct astigmatism:

• Femto-LASIK: A precise femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea that is folded to the side. An excimer laser then reshapes the underlying cornea to correct the curvature.
• Trans-PRK (no-touch method): The top layer of cells in the cornea is removed and the laser reshapes the underlying layer. This procedure is particularly suitable for patients with thin corneas.
• SMILE Pro: A minimally invasive procedure in which a small segment of tissue within the cornea is prepared with a laser and removed through a tiny incision. This procedure is particularly gentle and is suitable for astigmatism of up to 5 diopters.

How does the treatment work?

1. Preliminary examination: The ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive examination to determine suitability for laser treatment.
2. Treatment day: The procedure usually takes only a few minutes per eye and is performed under local anesthesia.
3. Aftercare: After treatment, regular check-ups are important to monitor the healing process.

What risks are there?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with laser eye surgery:

• Dry eyes: Your eyes may temporarily be drier than usual.
• Light sensitivity: Some patients report increased sensitivity to light after the procedure.
• Infections: Infections can rarely occur, but they can be easily treated with appropriate aftercare.

It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor and to carefully follow all aftercare recommendations.

Does the health insurance company cover the costs?

As a rule, statutory health insurance companies do not cover the costs of laser treatment to correct astigmatism, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, some private health insurance companies or supplementary insurance companies offer subsidies. It is advisable to consult your own insurance company in advance.

Conclusion

Laser eye surgery for astigmatism is an effective and safe method of permanently improving visual acuity. A thorough preliminary examination is required to determine suitability for the procedure. With modern laser procedures, many patients can benefit from a significant improvement in their vision and enjoy everyday life without glasses or contact lenses.

Your path to clearer vision starts here!

Would you like to find out more about the possibilities of laser treatment for astigmatism? Arrange a non-binding consultation with our experts today and receive individual advice. Start your future with clear vision now!