Astigmatism is a common vision problem that happens when your cornea is irregularly shaped. A normal eye should be shaped round like a soccer ball, but if you have astigmatism, your eyes resemble rugby balls more. Eyes that are shaped irregularly may cause light to focus unevenly on the retina, resulting in a blurred vision at any distance. You may also experience headaches and eye discomfort because of this problem. The exact cause of astigmatism is still unknown, but it can be hereditary and present at birth.
There is a myth that astigmatism cannot be treated with refractive surgery and the only way to correct your blurred vision is by wearing glasses or contact lens. The truth is that astigmatism can be corrected with surgery. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are two refractive surgeries that can help you achieve close to perfect vision. Here are the top 4 reasons why:
Permanent result
You might be wondering about the amount of time you will be able to enjoy the benefits of LASIK and PRK. We have good news for you: LASIK and PRK typically offer a lifetime result. These treatments are considered a permanent solution for blurred vision. During the surgery, the curve of your cornea is reshaped and your cornea will maintain its new shape. However, it is important to remember that every eye is different, so the result can vary depending on the person. In most cases, people do not have to worry about other types of vision correction methods after a LASIK or PRK.
Free of wearing glasses and contacts
Are you tired of constantly pushing your glasses to your nose or getting dry eyes from wearing contact lenses? Then LASIK or PRK is the right solution for you. After the procedure, you will not need any glasses or contacts anymore. Some people also think that even though their vision has improved, they will still need reading glasses. This is not necessarily true, after LASIK or PRK, most people do not have trouble adjusting and they can read just fine without reading glasses.
Almost no pain and instant result
Many patients that are interested in refractive surgery are worried about being in pain and due to the improvements in medical technology; you do not have to worry about it anymore. LASIK and PRK are not typically painful and most people experience little to no discomfort. If you undergo the procedure in a reputable medical center, the doctor will make sure the whole process is seamless and you will be comfortable throughout the procedure. The procedure is done with a topical anesthetic to numb the eyes, meaning you will be awake but you will not feel anything. If you are nervous, you can ask for a mild sedative to help you relax. After the procedure, you may notice that your vision has improved almost instantly. Some people notice an improvement as soon as 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. In addition, you shouldn’t expect pain during your recovery period. You may experience some feelings of itching, but your doctor will prescribe eye drops to speed up the healing process and to prevent infection.
Very low risk
Just like any surgery, there are some risks you need to be aware of. However, when performed properly, LASIK and PRK are very safe. Studies show that these procedures are effective and low-risk. Advancements in medical technology for refractive surgery continue to reduce the risk of side-effects and complications. As long as you choose an experienced doctor, you can be sure to have a clear vision after the procedure. Therefore, you need to undergo the procedure in a high-quality medical center. If you want to improve your vision in the year 2020, go check out MyMediTravel to find the best doctors that will treat your eye problems.