How can Astigmatism be treated ?

Usually astigmatism is treated with spectacles and contact lenses. Many people with astigmatism can achieve better vision with specially designed Toric lenses. They're made with the same materials as regular contact lenses but it has an additional power element called a cylinder. This cylinder has greater light-bending powers to focus light clearly. Corneal modification is another option for people with astigmatism - this is done by surgical operations. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly performed refractive procedure- a flap is cut through the top of the cornea, a laser removes some corneal tissue and then the flap is dropped back into place. It smoothes an irregular cornea into a more normal shape. Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) is also used to correct astigmatism. Incisions are strategically placed on the steepest curves. The steep areas flatten, and the cornea heals into a more spherical shape. This allows light to focus more precisely on the retina. ...  more