Why do I suffer from astigmatism?
An astigmatism means that the cornea is not evenly curved. Incoming rays of light are not focussed in one single point. So, instead of the image of a point you see two lines. The stronger or more irregular the curvature of the cornea the bigger the distortion of the objects. Frequently patients, in addition to an astigmatism, also suffer from short- or far-sightedness - Smile Eyes offer various treatments.
The extent of the astigmatism is indicated in cylinders (unit: dioptres) and axial position. The more dioptres the stronger the astigmatism.
Normal vision: focus on retina
Ideally in an eye, cornea, lens, retina and length of the ocular globe, the eye-ball, are perfectly coordinated so that a clear image can be produced on the surface of the retina.
Astigmatism. Light rays are not focussed.
The cornea is irregularly curved. Similar to an American football, not spherical as that of a normal ball. Thus incoming light rays are not focussed in one point but scattered on the retina. Objects near or far are distorted. Often astigmatism occurs together with short- or far-sightedness.
How can an astigmatism be treated?
Treatments for a life without glasses
For the correction of astigmatism there are surgical possibilities (cornea resp. Laser treatment) and the eye lens (lens treatment):
With the laser treatment, tissue of the cornea is eliminated in order to harmonise the curvature of the cornea. This requires a certain thickness and stability of the cornea.
With the lens treatments, an artificial lens with the respective curvature is inserted in order to alter the refraction behaviour. In this case we talk about toric lenses. Lens treatments allow the compensation of very substantial visual defects as there is no limitation regarding the removing of corneal tissue.
Depending on the kind of visual defect, there are several treatment possibilities:
Which treatment is suitable for me?
Eyes differ. Depending on the state of the eye and the type of myopia there are different methods. Today in 80% of laser treatments the SMILE method is applied. It is the eye laser method of the new generation compared to the classic LASIK or even Femto-LASIK methods and works without a flap.
Which method is best for you can only be determined after extensive preliminary examination and personal consultation with one of our Smile Eyes experts.
So call us and make an appointment!
In principle the following treatment methods can be used for correcting astigmatism:
Myopia up to -10,0 dpt.
Astigmatism
up to 5,0 dpt.
Myopia up to -10,0 dpt.
Astigmatism
up to 5,0 dpt.
Myopia up to -6,0 dpt.
Astigmatism
up to 5,0 dpt.
With refractive lens surgery, there are no strict limits regarding the number of dioptres. What are important are the individual eye structure and the patient´s age.