Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurry or distorted vision. While glasses and contact lenses provide temporary relief, many individuals seek a permanent solution to this issue. This is where Contoura Vision surgery stands out as a revolutionary treatment. This blog focuses on why Contoura Vision is the ideal cure for astigmatism and how it outshines other corrective options like LASIK or SMILE.
Let’s first dive into what causes astigmatism and what treatment options are available.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea, has an uneven curvature.
In a healthy eye, the cornea is shaped like a perfect sphere, like a soccer ball. This uniform shape allows light rays to enter the eye as a single beam and focus at one precise point on the retina, which produces a sharp, clear image.
In contrast, an eye with astigmatism has a cornea shaped more like a rugby ball. This irregularity causes light rays to bend unevenly, creating multiple focal points. As a result, the light does not converge on the retina properly, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
Astigmatism is quite common, and many individuals have a mild degree of it that does not significantly affect their vision. However, in cases where the condition causes noticeable visual distortions or discomfort, correction becomes necessary. Astigmatism often coexists with other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), which may also require treatment.
How Do I Know If I Have Astigmatism?
The most noticeable symptom of astigmatism is blurry or distorted vision, regardless of whether objects are near or far. Other common symptoms include:
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting to see clearly
- Fatigue after prolonged reading or focusing on objects
- Eye strain
Astigmatism can be easily diagnosed during a routine eye exam with an optometrist. A detailed evaluation will determine the degree of astigmatism and whether corrective measures are needed.
Can Astigmatism Be Cured?
There are three main options for correcting astigmatism:
1. Glasses
Prescription glasses are a simple and effective way to correct astigmatism. They are designed with special lenses that compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea, helping light to focus correctly on the retina.
2. Contact Lenses
Contact lenses, including toric lenses, are another popular option for correcting astigmatism. They sit directly on the eye’s surface and provide clear vision by adjusting how light enters the cornea.
3. Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is a permanent solution that corrects the underlying cause of astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. Advanced laser procedures such as LASIK, Contoura, and SMILE effectively address astigmatism, often in combination with other refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Can Laser Eye Surgery Fix Astigmatism?
Laser eye surgery removes a precise amount of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea’s surface. This reshaping process transforms the irregular corneal curvature into a smoother, more spherical shape akin to a soccer ball.
Laser procedures effectively address astigmatism and often provide long-term relief from visual distortions. Procedures like LASIK, including its advanced form Contoura Vision surgery, reshape the cornea to eliminate irregularities, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina.
For those asking, “How to cure astigmatism permanently?”, the answer is yes—with laser eye surgery like Contoura Vision. It doesn’t just correct vision; it addresses the structural issues causing astigmatism.
Can Everyone with Astigmatism Have Laser Eye Surgery?
While many individuals with astigmatism are suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, eligibility depends on several factors. Here’s what you need to know:
- Basic Eligibility: Most individuals with mild to moderate astigmatism who meet the general criteria for laser eye surgery can undergo the procedure.
- Complex Cases: If the astigmatism is too severe or irregular, laser eye surgery may not be the best option.
- Comprehensive Examination: A thorough evaluation by a laser eye surgeon is essential to determine your suitability. Factors such as the health and thickness of your cornea and your lifestyle will influence the decision.
Now that you have clarity on the eligibility criteria for laser eye surgery, let’s examine why Contoura Vision is considered the most ideal choice for astigmatism.
What is Contoura Vision Surgery?
Contoura Vision surgery, also known as topography-guided LASIK, is a highly specialised procedure that maps over 22,000 unique elevation points on the cornea. Unlike traditional LASIK, which focuses on the prescription alone, this surgery also considers the irregularities on the eye’s surface. This allows for a more customised correction, addressing both refractive errors and corneal aberrations that can impact the clarity and quality of vision.
By creating a personalised treatment plan based on the detailed mapping of your cornea, Contoura Vision offers a chance at improved vision, reduced halos or glare, and enhanced night vision.
Why is Contoura Vision the Ideal Surgery to Correct Astigmatism?
Tailored Precision
Contoura Vision stands apart from other laser eye surgeries due to its highly personalised approach. It maps over 22,000 unique points on the cornea, ensuring unmatched precision in correcting astigmatism.
Superior Outcomes
Patients often report sharper-than-expected vision, with many achieving visual acuity beyond 20/20. This makes it a perfect choice for individuals seeking correction and enhancement of visual quality.
Reduced Dependence on Eyewear
With Contoura Vision, many patients achieve complete freedom from glasses or contact lenses.
Minimal Recovery Time
Contoura Vision is minimally invasive and offers a quick recovery period. Most individuals notice improvements within hours of the procedure, with some achieving complete clarity in a matter of days.
However, it is best to have a detailed discussion with your eye surgeon about the outcomes, risks, and side effects associated with Contoura Vision.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, astigmatism can be permanently cured with advanced laser procedures like Contoura Vision, which address the underlying corneal irregularities causing the condition.
Individuals with thin corneas, unstable vision, severe refractive errors, or pre-existing eye conditions like keratoconus or glaucoma may not be eligible. Pregnancy and certain systemic diseases can also disqualify a candidate. Consult your doctor for a detailed evaluation.
While traditional LASIK corrects refractive errors, Contoura Vision takes it further by mapping over 22,000 unique elevation points on the cornea, addressing higher-order aberrations and improving the overall corneal structure for enhanced visual clarity.