Considering multifocal lenses after cataract surgery? Discover how these advanced lenses, like Restor and Rezoom, can correct astigmatism and potentially eliminate the need for glasses, offering clear vision at various distances.
So, you’re dealing with astigmatism? About 40% of us over 40 have it! It’s super common among young adults and even little kids. Basically, it’s a refractive error.
Astigmatism happens because the cornea (that clear front part of your eye) isn’t perfectly round. Instead, it’s shaped more like a football. This messes with how light enters your eye, causing blurry or distorted vision. It can be annoying, right?
Because of this uneven shape, people with astigmatism need glasses or contacts to see clearly at various distances. Things might look blurry up close, far away, or both, especially early on.
According to experts, common complaints from people with astigmatism include blurred vision, eye strain, and trouble seeing clearly, especially in dim light. Some people might squint a lot or have difficulty seeing at night. Differences in symptoms depend on how severe the astigmatism is. If it’s mild, you might not even notice anything! But if you have astigmatism along with nearsightedness or farsightedness, the symptoms can be more pronounced. You might notice issues with sharpness, clarity, glare, halos, and even double vision (especially with lights). If your blurred vision is getting worse, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked by a professional.
Some people also complain about headaches, and others have trouble watching TV. The main problem? It distorts your vision, but it’s not painful! You usually don’t feel anything during an eye exam.
Here’s a quick overview of how to treat astigmatism and protect your eyes, according to the pros.
Doctors say that people with astigmatism have historically been reluctant to undergo surgery to correct their condition and replace their existing cornea with an artificial one. Now that there are contact lens options, they only need glasses after surgery because the artificial cornea is small and limited. However, reliance on glasses may be reduced, as this depends on how well the eye adjusts to seeing clearly from both near and far distances. But not every patient succeeds in fully adjusting the two eyes, which may result in blurred vision.
Modern technology eliminates the need for glasses for both near and far vision. Clear vision for near and far distances means that multifocal lenses resemble the eye’s ability to see near and far distances at the same time. (Using contact lenses)
New multifocal lenses like Restor and Rezoom are designed to allow clear vision at different distances in each eye, and in both eyes together.
Experts point out that modern astigmatism surgeries are gentle and healing is fast. Surgery is done using advanced technology and by using parts of the patient’s eyes and other compatible materials. During the procedure, a small opening is made in the cornea, about 3 mm in size, and using advanced ultrasonic devices, the existing cornea is removed through the small opening. Then, the prepared multifocal artificial cornea is inserted to fit well. The artificial cornea that replaces the natural cornea remains in the eye permanently and sometimes helps improve vision.
In most cases, there is little need for glasses, and successful treatment rates are very high. According to studies, after Restor lens implant surgery, about 86% of those who underwent surgery saw 6/12 with one eye, or better. 100% of those who underwent lens implant surgery saw 6/6 with a new eye. 80% of patients did not need glasses at all for either near or far vision, and 20% needed glasses minimally.
Today, astigmatism surgery is considered elective surgery. These surgeries aim to achieve perfect vision without the need for glasses. If the person undergoing astigmatism surgery still needs glasses, you can correct this by using a laser treatment to achieve the desired correction, which may eliminate the need for glasses.
Experts conclude that even at a relatively young age, getting rid of astigmatism and dealing with a lack of focus and the need for strong glasses for both near and far distances is very desirable. This is because surgery can greatly improve a person’s vision and can be performed even when astigmatism is advanced.
Today, there’s no need to wait until astigmatism is advanced because that affects the surgery and its results.
Luckily, advancements in technology and medical devices now mean that surgery can be done with minimal incisions and advanced lenses. All of this contributes to achieving excellent results, reducing the duration of surgery, and shortening recovery time.
Testimonials
I was really struggling with my vision and constantly relying on glasses, but after my surgery, it’s like a whole new world! My vision is so clear, and I feel much more confident doing everyday tasks without fumbling for my glasses. It’s been a truly liberating experience!
FAQ
Is astigmatism a disease?
No, it’s a refractive error, not a disease.
Can astigmatism get worse over time?
Yes, it can change gradually, especially with age or other eye conditions.
Is there a way to prevent astigmatism?
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent it, as it’s often related to genetics or other underlying factors.
