Treat Astigmatism to Enhance Your Vision

Digital mapping over a person’s eye

It is easy to take eyesight for granted when you have lived with clear vision for your whole life. However, the countless number of people who live with astigmatism know just how important focused vision really is. Astigmatism is a vision impairment that makes it difficult for patients to focus on objects at near and far distances, resulting in an overall blurry image. Treating astigmatism allows affected patients to complete all the day-to-day tasks that require crisp vision. Glasses and contact lenses enhance vision, while laser vision correction offers permanent treatment for astigmatism so that patients can greatly reduce or completely eliminate their use of prescription lenses. The team of experienced eye doctors at the Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey can discuss treatment for astigmatism with our West Orange, NJ patients so that they find an option that best meets their unique needs.

Prescription Lenses

Prescription lenses are typically the first step in treating astigmatism. While these lenses do not actually treat the source of astigmatism, they do allow patients to enjoy clear, focused vision while the lenses are being worn. Prescription lenses are a great option for patients who are not interested in undergoing laser vision correction, or for those who are waiting for their vision prescription to stabilize so that laser vision treatment can be performed. Patients who treat astigmatism through the use of prescription lenses may do so with either glasses or contact lenses. Glasses offer a fun and stylish way to enhance the vision, while contact lenses are ideal for those looking for a more discreet option.

Laser Vision Correction

Many patients are eager to undergo laser vision correction because it truly treats astigmatism. With laser vision correction, our eye surgeons can actually reshape the cornea in order to eliminate the imperfections that cause vision impairment, such as astigmatism. In doing so, we can allow patients to dramatically reduce, or even completely eliminate, their dependence on prescription lenses. The two most common forms of laser vision correction for astigmatism are LASIK and PRK.

• LASIK: LASIK is the laser eye treatment that is most popular among our patients. During this procedure, a small incision is made, creating a flap in the top layer of the cornea. This flap is then lifted so that the excimer laser can make necessary changes to the corneal tissues. We offer the IntraLase® technique and use wavefront technology so that patients benefit from a blade-free procedure and one that is completely customized to address the exact specifications of each patient’s eyes.
• PRK: As safe and effective as LASIK is, it is not an ideal treatment option for all patients. Fortunately, that does not mean that a patient cannot undergo laser vision treatment. PRK is an excellent alternative for those who are poor LASIK candidates. PRK uses wavefront technology to make precise alterations to the shape of the cornea, but it differs from LASIK in that it does not require a corneal flap. Instead, the entire upper layer of the cornea is removed before the laser makes alterations to the inner corneal tissue. This technique is a good option for patients who have especially thin corneas.

Contact Us

At the Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey, we offer a number of treatments that allow patients to address vision impairment so that they can benefit from clear, focused vision. If you suffer from vision impairment and would like to learn more about laser vision correction, contact us at your earliest convenience.