Lasik Los Angeles Tag

Lasik in Los Angeles: The Better Alternative to Contacts for Astigmatism

Astigmatism is one of the most common vision problems in the US, affecting one in three Americans. Most people rely solely on contact lenses to correct the blurred vision stemming from the eye condition, not knowing that there are better alternatives available. Lasik in Los Angeles is one such option.

Lasik surgery remains one of the best ways to correct astigmatism, especially opposed to contact lenses, when you consider the disadvantages of being reliant on contacts for clear vision.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is an imperfection in eye curvature, also known as a refractive error. Healthy, normal eyes are curved like a baseball. For people with astigmatism, however, the curve resembles the back of a spoon or an egg.  This curvature imperfection can occur in the cornea or the lens, and can manifest in one or both eyes.

Individuals with astigmatism suffer from blurred vision at all distances. If left untreated, this condition can interfere with day to day activities such as driving. Common symptoms include:

• Distorted vision
• Headaches
• Squinting
• Eyestrain
• Impaired night vision

Note that astigmatism doesn’t improve on its own. It generally gets worse over time with age, health decline, and in conjunction with other vision issues such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. Astigmatism can be treated with prescription glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Disadvantages of Wearing Contacts for Astigmatism

For many, contact lenses offer a quick and inexpensive way to correct astigmatism. Prescription contact lenses are readily available and effective in temporarily restoring clear eyesight. Unlike glasses, contacts don’t hide their wearer’s facial features.

However, contact lenses come with significant disadvantages that can make them an unsustainable solution, such as:

• Can slip off the eye center
• Needs to be worn all the time to maintain sight clarity
• Gathers debris and dirt under the lenses
• Requires frequent follow-up care
• Does not correct related vision problems
• May not provide sharp vision
• Difficult to handle, wear, and clean
• Wears out quickly
• Easy to lose

On top of these, it can be too much for some people to reach into their eyes and insert their contacts. Fail to follow the strict lens-wearing and replacement schedule, and you’ll become vulnerable to eye irritation and other serious eye health risks. The costs of buying new contacts as your prescription changes or as a replacement for lost ones can also add up over time.

Advantages of Lasik in Los Angeles for Astigmatism

Lasik surgery presents a more convenient way to correct astigmatism without the hassles associated with contact lenses. Your Lasik surgeon in Orange County will use ultra-precise lasers to reshape the cornea so that the corneal curve becomes more symmetrical. This effectively eliminates eyesight problems related to astigmatism.

Here are some advantages that make Lasik the better choice over contact lenses or eyeglasses when it comes to treating astigmatism:

• No frames or lenses to obstruct your vision
• Does not get splattered by rain or mud
• Will not fog up or collect debris and dirt
• Can correct other vision issues such as myopia
• Long-term improved eyesight
• Minimal complications and fast recovery time
• No risk of loss or misplacement
• Gives you greater freedom when active
• Improves night vision

For the right candidate, there are almost no downsides in choosing Lasik surgery for astigmatism. Better yet, the sooner you can undergo the procedure, the longer you can enjoy clearer vision for years to come. To learn more about Lasik surgery cost, qualifications, and other concerns, call Excel Laser Vision Institute at +1-866-923-9235 to talk to a Lasik surgeon today!

Understanding the Lasik Eye Surgery Cost for Correcting Astigmatism

Laser eye surgery continues to be one of the most effective, long-term ways to correct astigmatism. However, many people still hesitate to undergo the procedure because of the Lasik eye surgery cost. Do not be mistaken. Despite the large upfront cost of laser eye surgery, it remains as the more cost-effective alternative to eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Why Lasik is More Cost-Effective for Astigmatism

Compared to the initial investment of laser eye surgery, eyeglasses and contact lenses may seem like the cheaper way to correct astigmatism. However, most people are not aware of how much they truly spend over the years with these temporary fixes:

• The cost of eyeglasses includes both the price of frames on top of the prescription. Pricing for contact lenses, on the other hand, includes the type of contacts and the kind of solution you’ll use. Expect to pay for a new set every two years since prescriptions typically change over time.

• You’ll also have to replace your eyeglasses if you lose or break them, something that many wearers are familiar with. Want a specific look for your pair? Designer eyeglasses are even more expensive than their basic counterparts.

• Over a lifetime, the cost of eyeglasses and contacts can run up to thousands of dollars, and all that without fixing your eyesight for good.

Now, the Lasik eye surgery cost may look bigger up front, but factor in the average cost of eyeglasses or contacts, and Lasik comes out as the more cost-effective alternative. Better yet, it often takes only one surgery to get rid of your astigmatism for good and give you perfect eyesight for a lifetime.

Many eye clinics also offer Lasik financing to make the procedure more affordable, so be sure to ask your Lasik surgeon about your options for treating astigmatism.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea, or the front of the eye, has a dual curvature.

The normal eye shape is supposed to be round, similar to a soccer ball. This allows light to enter the eye in only one ray, letting it focus on a single point at the retina (the tissue at the back of the eye that’s sensitive to light). These produce clear images for those without astigmatism.

In contrast, the eye shape of someone with astigmatism is closer to a rugby ball. The light enters in two points instead of one, resulting in fuzzy or blurred vision.

Many people live with some degree of this common condition. For most, however, mild astigmatism does not need correction since it does not cause eyesight problems. Interventions like eyeglasses, contacts, and Lasik in Los Angeles are only warranted when astigmatism causes distorted vision.

How Lasik Works for Astigmatism

The Lasik surgeon uses a laser to correct the curvature of the eye by removing a bit of corneal tissue. The goal is to make the eye rounder so the light can focus at a single point on the retina, thus restoring clear eyesight.

Who can have laser surgery for astigmatism?

Lasik has a ground-breaking 95% success rate, better than any other elective procedure today. To determine a person’s eligibility for laser eye surgery, Lasik surgeons in Orange County refer to a list of criteria. A good candidate should:

• Have a stable prescription for one year or longer
• Have a sufficiently thick cornea
• Have pupils of the right size
• Not be pregnant
• Be in general good health
• Be 18 years old and above

After a comprehensive examination, your Lasik surgeon will be able to tell you if your degree and type of astigmatism can be improved by laser eye surgery. Aside from astigmatism, Lasik surgery is also an excellent treatment option for myopia and farsightedness.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism

Compared to eyeglasses and contact lenses, the advantages of Lasik eye surgery are unmatched when treating astigmatism and other eyesight issues. They include:

• Restores near perfect or perfect vision for most people
• Fast recovery time with minimal complications
• Permanent clear eyesight
• Removes the need for contacts or eyeglasses

Are you ready to see the world with clear eyes? Schedule a consultation with one of our eye surgeons here at Excel Laser Vision Institute through our Contact Page or call us at +1 866 923 9235 for inquiries.