When the cornea is curved

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. But more than a third of Germany´s population suffer from astigmatism of 1 dioptre and more. These eyes are basically healthy eyes that because of a “construction default” cannot gain optimal vision.

An astigmatism reduces the vision both near and far – that is to say: a correction nearly always brings an advantage! A life without glasses or contact lenses can be achieved through minimal invasive correction of astigmatism with modern laser treatments.

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 sight

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:

Eye laser treatment

SMILE

Myopia up to -10,0 dpt.

Astigmatism
up to 5,0 dpt.

FEMTO-LASIK

Myopia up to -10,0 dpt.

Astigmatism
up to 5,0 dpt.

LASEK

Myopia up to -6,0 dpt.

Astigmatism
up to 5,0 dpt.

Refractive lens surgery

Refractive lens exchange

Phake Lens implantation

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.

When the cornea is curved

Why do I suffer from astigmatism?

How can an astigmatism be treated?

Treatments for a life without glasses

Which treatment is suitable for me?

In principle the following treatment methods can be used for correcting astigmatism:

Development of eye laser treatment for corneal curvature

Life without glasses with implantable contact lenses

How can we help you?