Astigmatism 101: Everything you need to know

16 Jul 2020

Recently diagnosed with astigmatism or know someone who has been? Astigmatism is a natural and an extremely common eye error.

Astigmatism is a very common eye condition which is a simply a ‘refractive error’ (as opposed to an ailment or illness.

Essentially, when someone has astigmatism, it simply means that the cornea is not perfectly round. In other words, there is a slight imperfection in the curvature of the cornea which makes it more rugby ball than football-shaped, to put it in sporting terms!

While a perfectly curved cornea will reflect light rays onto the retina at the back of the eye, astigmatism will ensure that these light rays aren’t refracted properly, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.

Astigmatism is extremely common so although the word itself suggests something rather serious, 47% of people in the UK who wear glasses are thought to have it to some degree.

How do you get it?
It is totally natural and, as illustrated by the fact that 47% of people who wear glasses in the UK have it, almost as common as not having one!

The truth is that most people are born with it and there really is no explanation as to why this is the case but it is thought that is very possible that genetics could well play a role.

However, though most people with astigmatism are born with the condition, this is not always the case: astigmatism can also develop because of an eye injury or resulting from surgery undergone to repair an eye injury.

How is it treated and can I still have laser eye surgery at Optilase?
Astigmatism can be very easily corrected simply by wearing glasses or contact lenses, or by undergoing laser eye surgery.

In the case of laser eye surgery, this procedure physically changes the shape of the cornea permanently, unlike glasses and contacts which will only correct it during those periods when you are wearing your glasses or contacts.

So, the fact of the matter is that laser surgery is the only permanent solution to astigmatism, and the only method which will enable you to live your life glasses or contacts free.

If you have an astigmatism and are fed up wearing (and losing!) glasses, or simply tired of the daily chore of wearing and maintaining your contact lenses, book a free consultation with Optilase and find out if laser eye surgery is a suitable option for you!

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Thelma Scanlon
September 23, 2023

Great experience and great after care. Had 2020 vision within 24 hours with very minimal pain.

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September 23, 2023

Amazing experience , amazing staff, amazing eye sight . I had lens replacement 3 months ago and would highly recommend.

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Mr. O’Flynn Education
September 23, 2023

I got my laser eye surgery done on April 20th and couldn’t be happier. I had one hard day of recovery, followed by dry eyes for a small while. Sleeping with the protective goggles is the hardest part, but you’re helped throughout the process by experts. I couldn’t recommend this enough and Optilase were a dream to deal with. Even if you can’t afford the treatment now, you can always talk about a payment plan and get the vision you’ve always wanted.

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September 18, 2023

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September 7, 2023

Couldn't rate Optilase high enough. I had Lens Replacement Surgery. My experience from the first phone call to the procedure itself and the aftercare was fantastic. All of the staff from the call centre to the staff in Carrickmines and the theatre were so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend .

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JeriesHamaty
September 5, 2023

I had my PRK done on both eyes , and im happy with the result. The post operation pain was extreme but it settled down after 4 days. Now i feel great after 2 weeks post operation no complications what so ever , other than blurry vision now and then, but its improving every day

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Rebekah Lowry
August 25, 2023

Got LASIK in Ely Place only yesterday and officially had 20/20 vision just 24 hours later! Cannot recommend Optilase enough from my initial consultation with Aisling in Athlone to my trips to Carrickmines and Ely Place. The staff really look after you from the moment you walk in the door and make you feel so at ease from start to finish - 10 out of 10 experience!

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August 21, 2023

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August 21, 2023

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August 21, 2023

I no longer need glasses,absolutely life changing.Great aftercare,lovely staff.

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Poliana Oliveira
August 9, 2023

I have been wearing glasses for over 20 years. I always hated wearing contact lenses and I got to a time in my life that I needed a change. A friend recommended optilase, I went for the free consultation and the person that did all the exams was really nice and I felt safe and confident enough to go ahead, I was recommended the PRK. I Put on a piece of paper how much I spent and would still spend on glasses for the next 10 years, and the surgery was for sure cheaper than that. My prescription was very high, both eyes, myopia and astigmatism Optilase provided all the information I needed, in clear manner. And they always made clear that there was nothing wrong with my eyes, it was my own choice to go for the surgery. The day of the surgery I was a bit nervous, who wouldn't? But then, from the reception to the surgeon, they were all so nice and welcoming. Hernandez performed the procedure, lovely surgeon, again all information was provided the way it should. I was instructed in what I should and should not do. The actual procedure took less than 15min, I felt nothing, no discomfort or anything. The whole process is very well done by the team, if I remember well around 3 people supporting the surgery plus one other girl providing pos surgery instructions. Right after the procedure I could already see much better than before without glasses! I couldn't believe it, I cried, thanked everyone and left the clinic knowing that I made the best choice. The recovery for PRK is a bit longer, I stayed for 2 full days no phones, or any screens. In the dark. If you have a little one, I would recommend to have someone minding them, as you are very limited in what you can do for the day of and day after surgery. It is hard to open the eyes, the second day after surgery was the toughest, I thought all went wrong as the vision got worst, but again I was advised it could happen. Note that this was my experience and could be different for other people. The 3rd day I felt nothing and could see much better already. Light sensitivity was very high, and still, 6 days after surgery, but nothing that a sun glasses would not help. My vision still blurred, but I need no glasses to see, my eyes feel dry sometimes, but the eye drops provided helps with it and and am very happy with the results already, even knowing it takes a bit longer to fully recover the vision. I'm back to work (screen at 200% to make sure I dont force my eyes too much) and I have had no headaches or anything, which I would have all the time looking at screens for most of my day. I cannot recommend Optilase enough, they are amazing! If you want to do something for your self and want a place you can trust, go for it, choose Optilase. Thanks to the whole team for one of the best things I did for my self!

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