Surgery for astigmatism is one of the most effective ways to treat astigmatism, as it allows less dependence on glasses or lenses, in addition to the possibility of total correction of the degree that the person had. Know the symptoms of astigmatism.
Although there is the possibility of curing astigmatism with this type of surgery, it is necessary to make an evaluation with the ophthalmologist before the procedure as it is necessary to have some conditions before being operated, such as having a sufficiently thick cornea, having stabilized vision or, generally, being over 18, for example.
How is the surgery done
Astigmatism can be corrected through surgery, which is usually indicated for people over 18 years old or who have their degree stabilized for about 1 year. The surgery is done under local anesthesia and usually lasts for about 20 minutes, however the duration may vary according to the type of surgery recommended by the ophthalmologist.
The types of surgery most commonly used for astigmatism include:
- LASIK surgery: In this type of surgery, a cut is made on the cornea and then laser is applied directly on the eye to change the shape of the cornea, allowing the correct formation of the image and avoiding the feeling of duplicity and lack of clarity. Usually the recovery is very good and the adjustment of the degree is very fast. Understand how LASIK surgery is done. PRK surgery: In this type of surgery, the corneal epithelium (the most superficial part of the cornea) is removed with a blade and laser applied over the eye. Then a contact lens is applied to prevent pain in the postoperative period. The postoperative period of this surgery is longer and the patient may experience pain, but it is a safer technique in the long run. Learn more about PRK surgery.
The price of surgery for astigmatism can vary according to the type of surgery and location where the procedure will be performed, ranging from R $ 2000 to R $ 6000.00 per eye. Surgery, however, can be cheaper if included in the health plan.
Risks of surgery
Although not very frequent, surgery for astigmatism presents some risks, such as:
- No total correction of the problem, requiring the person to continue wearing glasses or contact lenses; Sensation of dry eye due to decreased lubrication of the eye, which can cause redness and discomfort; Infection in the eye, which is more related to the lack of care after surgery.
In the most severe cases, blindness can still occur due to corneal infections, however, this is a very rare complication and can be avoided with the use of eye drops in the postoperative period. However, the ophthalmologist cannot guarantee that there is no risk of infection. Know the types of eye drops and what they are for.
