Astigmatism treatment Melbourne
Blurry vision from astigmatism can be frustrating. For suitably assessed candidates, laser eye surgery may help reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses and support clearer vision.
OVERVIEW
Astigmatism is a common condition where the front surface of the eye isn’t perfectly round. It often occurs alongside short-sightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hyperopia) and can cause blurred vision at all distances.
If you’re suitable for laser eye surgery, the procedure aims to reshape the cornea to reduce astigmatic blur. While individual outcomes and recovery timelines vary, many people report less squinting, less eyestrain and clearer vision as their eyes heal after treatment.
A LITTLE BIT OF EYE ANATOMY
We don’t want to overwhelm you with details. But it’s helpful to know what’s involved when considering laser eye surgery to correct your astigmatism.
In a perfect eye, the cornea is shaped like a soccer ball. Light rays enter your eye and focus on a point in the middle of the retina to give you clear and sharp vision.
In an eye with astigmatism, the cornea is shaped like a rugby ball, with one direction being more curved than the other. This uneven curvature causes the light to land on multiple points on the retina. The result is blurry or distorted vision at all distances.
DIAGNOSIS & EXAMINATION
To understand your astigmatism in detail, we carry out a series of tests that assess the shape of your eye and how it focuses light. This includes measuring both refractive and corneal astigmatism, using imaging tools such as the Pentacam and MS39 to capture detailed 3D views of your cornea.
These results are reviewed alongside a comprehensive eye health assessment to help us determine whether laser vision correction may be a suitable option for you. If it is, we’ll talk you through the treatment approaches that could be considered, including benefits and potential risks, so you can make an informed decision at your own pace.
TREATMENT
You may already rely on glasses or toric contact lenses to counteract the uneven curvature of your cornea. For some people, laser eye surgery may offer another way to address this by reshaping the cornea to improve how light focuses in the eye.
Depending on your prescription and eye health, laser treatment can also be planned to address short- or long-sightedness at the same time.
Procedures such as SMILE, LASIK and PRK are commonly used to manage astigmatism in suitable patients. During your assessment, we’ll talk you through these options and help determine which approach may be the most appropriate for you, taking safety, lifestyle and long-term eye health into account.
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RECOVERY
The laser procedure is short, and many people are back to their usual routine within days, depending on the treatment type and individual healing process.
We’ll schedule several follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and visual progress.
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that not everyone is suitable for vision correction treatment, and every patient’s journey is a little bit different. Healing responses are unique, and results and benefits may vary. In some laser eye surgery cases, over- and under-correction may occur, and a top-up laser procedure called an ‘enhancement’ may be required. As with any surgery, there are potential side effects and risks, of which you’ll be fully informed before any decisions are made.
Laser eye surgery isn’t the only option for managing astigmatism. If laser treatment isn’t suitable for you, lens-based procedures may be considered to help reduce astigmatic blur and support clearer vision. Your suitability for any procedure is always based on a careful assessment of your eye health, prescription and long-term needs.
Exploring treatment options for astigmatism is a big decision. Your vision is precious, and it’s completely natural to want clear guidance and ask questions along the way. At ELS, we give you the time, information and expert advice you need to feel confident about your options. Take a moment to learn more about our team and approach, then come in and see what the ELS experience feels like for yourself.
Not everyone is suitable for vision correction surgery. Your suitability, experience and results will depend on your eyes, your health, and how you heal. All medical and surgical procedures carry potential risks and side effects, and we’ll discuss these before any decisions are made. The information on this page is general in nature, and you should consult your ophthalmologist for specific medical advice.
