Astigmatism

When you look at a point, what do you see: a point or a line?

For people with normal vision, this question may seem surprising at first, but anyone who suffers from astigmatism knows what is meant. Those affected have a distorted perception and see points as lines or bars.

The good news: Astigmatism is curable. Read below how you can have your astigmatism lasered and thus permanently see correctly again.

 

How do the faulty images arise in astigmatism?

In astigmatism, the cornea is oval. This means that the light rays entering the eye can no longer be refracted correctly. Due to the different curvature, horizontal rays of light refract differently than vertical rays of light and therefore cannot be combined in a common focal point. Two focal lines are created, which turn points into rods. This is why a blurred and distorted image is created on the retina. In rare cases, the incorrect images can also be caused by a curvature of the lens.

What are the causes and risk factors for astigmatism?

In most cases, astigmatism is congenital. If several members of a family are affected by astigmatism, then there is also a hereditary predisposition. In rare cases, astigmatism only develops in adulthood. The causes for this can be varied:

• Ulcers or scars on the cornea
• Injuries and inflammation of the cornea
• Corneal cone
• Surgical procedures on the eye

How can astigmatism be diagnosed?

If there is a suspicion of a visual impairment, the ophthalmologist uses various examination methods. One of these methods is objective refraction, in which an image is projected onto the back of the eye using infrared radiation. At the same time, it is measured whether this image is sharp. If a deviation occurs, the doctor puts lenses in front of it until the image becomes clear. Based on the measurement results, he can now determine the type and extent of the astigmatism. More detailed examinations and measurements of the cornea are carried out later using the ophthalometer or a computer-controlled corneal topographer.

Can astigmatism be cured?

Those affected can choose between various treatment options. Basically, they have to decide whether they want to wear a visual aid permanently or whether they want to be permanently freed from the visual impairment through surgery.

Can astigmatism go away on its own?

If you research this question on the Internet, you will find numerous indications that you can support the healing of astigmatism with a few rules of conduct. The tips range from a balanced diet to certain exercises and herbal mixtures. The fact is: astigmatism does not heal on its own. Over the years, astigmatism can change and improve as the eye grows, or it can worsen as a result of inflammation and injury. But this will not make it go away completely.

Treatment of astigmatism with visual aids

In order to find a suitable visual aid, the angle and refractive error of the astigmatism must be known. Then you can choose between different visual aids:

• Cylindrical lenses
• Soft contact lenses that align themselves on the cornea
• Hard contact lenses that bend the cornea

The eye usually has to slowly get used to the new way of seeing. The later astigmatism is corrected, the longer this process takes. The adjustment is often accompanied by headaches.

Treatment of astigmatism with a laser

Anyone who wants to be permanently relieved of the symptoms can have their astigmatism treated by laser. A hot beam of light removes the unevenness on the cornea and creates a uniform surface. Laser treatment is not the best method for treating astigmatism for everyone, but for most sufferers. A doctor can explain suitable surgical methods to you and then successfully laser the astigmatism.

Laser treatment of astigmatism: requirements, methods and risks

Laser treatment can permanently correct astigmatism. Most patients can then do without any visual aids. We have summarised below whether you are suitable for laser treatment and which surgical method is right for you.

What requirements do I have to meet if I want to have my cornea lasered?

Before the procedure, it must be determined whether you meet the medical requirements for laser treatment. The following factors are generally checked:

• Presence of astigmatism
• Minimum age 18 years
• Stable eyesight
• Healthy eyes
• Good health

In addition, the cornea must have a sufficient thickness of at least half a millimeter. Astigmatism can be treated up to +5 diopters.

Laser treatment of astigmatism: These are the methods

There are now several laser techniques that can be used to successfully treat astigmatism.

Lasik is the abbreviation for “laser in situ keratomileusis”. During this procedure, a small corneal flap is created using a precision surgical knife, which is then folded back. This allows the laser to penetrate the cornea and smooth it in the event of astigmatism. The corneal flap is then folded back and returned to its original position.

The iLasik procedure: creating the flap with a laser

The main difference between this method and the classic LASIK procedure is that the corneal flap is cut gently with a femtosecond. This means that the cornea does not have to be opened over a large area. This means that astigmatism up to +5 dpt can be corrected.

The PRK LASEK procedure: Lasering for patients with very thin corneas

Patients with a very thin cornea are actually excluded from laser eye surgery. However, the PRK LASEK procedure has created a way to help these patients too. Since there is not enough cornea to create a flap, the top layer of the cornea is pushed to the side instead. The laser then corrects the cornea and the top layer is pushed back into its original shape.

The Relex Smile procedure: laser eye surgery without flap

This laser method is the gold standard if you want to have astigmatism lasered. A specially modified laser prepares a disc inside the cornea, which is then pulled out through a minimal incision at the edge of the cornea. With this minimally invasive procedure, you can have your cornea gently corrected.

How much does laser treatment for astigmatism cost?

Laser treatment can quickly add up to four-figure sums for both eyes. In Germany, for example, you pay around €2,500 per eye for a Relax Smile treatment.

Does the health insurance company cover the costs of lasering astigmatism?

The statutory health insurance companies only cover the costs of medically necessary treatments. If you want to have laser treatment for astigmatism, this is unfortunately not included. In 2017, the Federal Court of Justice made a ruling with private health insurance companies that opens the door to cost coverage for those affected. Although not all private health insurance companies have yet joined in, it is still worth applying in any case.

Get affordable laser eye surgery in Turkey

If you cannot or do not want to afford these high costs, but still want a better quality of life in the long term, then we recommend laser eye surgery in Turkey. The eye clinic employs specialized doctors who are familiar with the most modern laser techniques. However, due to the low cost of living locally, operations can be carried out much more cost-effectively. For example, you only pay an average of €1,000.00 per eye for the same Relax Smile treatment – for the same service. The costs already include all examinations, the operation and the overnight stay on site.

How do I contact the eye clinic in Turkey?

If you have decided to have your astigmatism lasered in Turkey or would like more information, then contact Healthtravels. The company organizes the entire treatment process – from the initial consultation with the doctor to the on-site surgery appointments to the return journey and follow-up treatment.

Contact us today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have if you want to have your astigmatism lasered in Turkey.