Astigmatism can be present alone or in eyes which are short or long sighted. Astigmatism occurs when the surface of the eye is not a perfect curve, more like a rugby ball. This creates blurring or distortion of vision. It may occur naturally or after cataract or laser surgery and this is a common problem for older patients.

If you imagine looking at the bars of a window

the eye will focus either the upright bars	or the horizontal bars	but not both together.

Astigmatic Microsurgery
Microsurgery can also treat astigmatism by using transverse incisions. These are used for treatment of
• Natural astigmatism
• Astigmatism caused by cataract surgery
• Astigmatism caused by or unsuccessfully treated by laser surgery
• Astigmatism after corneal transplant

ASTIGMATIC EYE
Laser eye surgery (Laser Clinic View) Microsurgery (Our View)

• “Laser is new technology” Microsurgery has been around for over 30 years. It has an unmatched safety record.

• “Microsurgery has been superseded by laser” It is a different technique, not replaced by laser. It does not rely on removing tissue, however accurately that is done. It relies on the body’s own healing process.

• “Computer guided lasers are far more precise The key factor for any surgery is to be predictable, not necessarily precise than a surgeon’s hand”. Yes, machines can be more precise at removing tissue (though the mechanical cutters used in laser surgery are quite variable). We rely on the skills and training of our surgeons to work together with your body’s own healing to achieve the required results. Some parts of laser eye surgery are actually less predictable than other forms of surgery.

• “It can treat most refractive problems” Different people do better with different treatments. At the LCRS, because we are not reliant on a single technique, we only use microsurgery when it offers the best result for the patients. We also offer lens implants, CK and other forms of treatment.

• “The cuts made by laser only Microsurgery works by short cuts which slightly flatten the cornea. LASIK cuts a large affect a tiny area and only superficially” flap, which can be lifted with a spatula more than 7 years later, and then vapourises tissue underneath. The area and depth covered are not comparable. Laser has a much larger impact on the volume and strength of the cornea, as well as affecting the line of vision.