LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an FDA-approved laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. It can also treat mild to moderate astigmatism by reshaping the cornea.
What’s the LASIK Procedure Like?
First, a topical anesthetic is squeezed into the eye before surgery. The LASIK surgeon then creates a small flap in the cornea’s outer layer (epithelium) with a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome blade.
The flap is then folded back to access the underlying corneal tissue. An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing precise amounts of corneal tissue, altering its curvature.
After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is repositioned back into place. Because the flap adheres naturally, there’s no need for stitches.
What Are The Benefits of LASIK For Astigmatism?
LASIK surgery can be a great procedure for people with astigmatism. It’s a relatively fast procedure that takes about 20 minutes with minimal discomfort.
To ensure your safety, the laser has an automatic shut-down function in case of any sudden eye movements. Furthermore, LASIK has a high success and satisfaction rate.
You can also get fast results, with many people reporting clear vision a few days after LASIK surgery. Some may even notice a positive difference within a few hours.
LASIK’s Limitations for Astigmatism
Although LASIK is beneficial for astigmatism, it’s only recommended for corneal astigmatism. It can’t treat lenticular astigmatism.
LASIK can also correct up to 6.00 diopters of astigmatism. However, if you also have myopia or hyperopia, it may not be able to provide this much correction.
How Successful is LASIK for Astigmatism?
According to the American Refractive Surgical Council, 99% of patients achieve better than 20/40 vision. Meanwhile, more than 90% achieve 20/20 or better.
LASIK is considered one of the safest elective surgical procedures, with a complication rate of less than 1%. Modern LASIK treatments use femtosecond lasers and topography-guided treatments, significantly reducing the risk of complications.
However, there is still a potential for side effects like dry eyes, double vision, halos, and glare. Fortunately, these side effects are temporary and go away within 3 to 12 months.
Cost of LASIK Surgery For Astigmatism
The average cost of LASIK in the U.S. is around $2,500 per eye. This price may include the initial consultation and follow-up care.
However, each eye care clinic is different, and you should talk to your surgeon about an itemized quote. Depending on the surgeon’s rate, LASIK may be more expensive for people with astigmatism.
Factors that can affect the procedure’s cost include:
- The severity of the astigmatism
- Advanced LASIK technology
- Your insurance plan
Does Insurance Cover LASIK For Astigmatism?
Unfortunately, most health plans consider LASIK and other laser surgeries elective treatments, so insurance doesn’t cover them. However, some vision insurance companies offer discounts on LASIK.
Some vision insurance policies that offer discounts include:
- Vision Service Plan (VSP)
- EyeMed
- Davis Vision
- MESVision
- Spectera
If you get one of these plans, you might have to use an in-network eye doctor for your LASIK treatment. They usually have contracts with specific LASIK clinics. This is helpful because the insurance company has vetted and approved the surgeons in these networks for LASIK Surgery.
Is LASIK Right For You?
LASIK surgery is a viable option for most patients with astigmatism. However, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for LASIK, such as:
- Must be 18 or older
- A stable prescription for at least 1 year
- Good overall health
- Good eye health
- A vision range of 6.00 diopters of astigmatism.
- Adequate corneal thickness
Signs That You Shouldn’t Get LASIK
You should avoid LASIK if you’re pregnant, nursing, or planning on becoming pregnant for at least six months after surgery. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and nursing can affect your vision, so it is recommended to wait until after this period.
Other factors that can disqualify you from LASIK include:
- A thin cornea or a family history of thin corneas
- Glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye infections
- An autoimmune disease
- Chronic or severe dry eyes
- Large pupils
- Using certain medications like corticosteroids
You may also want to avoid LASIK if you’re involved with high-impact sports, the military, law enforcement, or any activity that can affect your eyes. High-impact activities or work can affect your eyes and potentially lead to flap complications.
Overall, LASIK surgery can be greatly beneficial for people with astigmatism. However, you should consider the procedure’s various pros and cons. Talk to an eye care professional to discuss your concerns and see if LASIK is the right choice for you.
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