Information About Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea, which should be shaped like a sphere, is instead shaped like an oval. Oval-shaped corneas typically have two curves: a steeper one and a flatter one. Therefore, when light passes through the cornea to the retina, it focuses on more than one point in the eye, resulting in blurred vision.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

• Difficulty seeing both near and distant objects without squinting
• Blurred or distorted vision when reading

Treatment Options

Astigmatism commonly occurs in addition to nearsightedness or farsightedness and can be treated with glasses, contacts, or through a refractive surgery procedure. At St. Luke’s in Florida we offer several refractive surgery procedures to residents of Tampa, Orlando, and surrounding cities for the treatment of astigmatism.

• Astigmatic Keratotomy – AK
• LASIK
• Limbal Relaxing Incisions – LRI
• STAAR Toric™ Intraocular Lens

Astigmatic Keratotomy - AK

Astigmatic keratotomy can be performed to reduce or eliminate astigmatism. During the procedure, Pit Gills, MD, will create curved incisions along the steepest sections of the cornea. These incisions will cause the steep areas of the cornea to flatten and take more of a spherical shape. Therefore, light will focus more clearly on the retina, reducing blurred vision. AK may be performed alone or in combination with other refractive procedures. Contact St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute to find out if AK is right for you.

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LASIK

LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a procedure that permanently reshapes the cornea for clearer vision. Performed by Dr. Pit Gills at St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute in Florida, LASIK is ideal for patients who want to experience clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contacts. LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Before LASIK, Dr. Gills will administer anesthetic drops to numb the eye. A lid speculum will be used to hold the eye open and prevent the patient from blinking during the procedure. Dr. Gills will create a flap in the corneal tissue using a special instrument called a microkeratome. Patients may feel slight pressure as this flap is created.

Dr. Gills will then fold back the flap to reveal the underlying corneal tissue. As the patient stares directly at a target light, the laser will gently reshape the cornea, correcting astigmatism. This part of the procedure typically lasts less than a minute. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap will be returned to its original position where it bonds securely in place without the need for stitches.

Ideal candidates for LASIK are individuals over 21, who have had a stable prescription for at least a year. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gills to find out if you can benefit from LASIK. Take the first step towards clearer vision and contact Dr. Gills today.

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Limbal Relaxing Incisions - LRI

Limbal relaxing incisions or LRIs are used to treat astigmatism. Unlike other procedures that provide treatment directly to the cornea, limbal relaxing incisions are created in the limbus, the thin layer that connects the cornea with the white of the eye.

After a few drops of anesthetic have been administered to the eye, Dr. Gills places relaxing incisions along the highest points at the edges of the cornea. These incisions allow the cornea to relax and take a more spherical shape, thereby reducing blurred vision. Since they are made along the edges rather than across the corneal tissue, LRIs also preserve visual quality. Few side effects are associated with limbal relaxing incisions, and the wounds tend to heal quickly.

Individuals with astigmatism who are interested in reducing their dependency on glasses or contacts may be ideal candidates for limbal relaxing incisions. To find out if you can benefit from LRIs, contact Pit Gills, MD today.

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STAAR Toric™ Intraocular Lens

The STAAR Toric™ Intraocular Lens used both with cataract and CLEAR™ surgery is designed to treat lenticular astigmatism, or an irregularly shaped natural lens. Some individuals may have lenticular astigmatism in addition to or instead of corneal astigmatism. By replacing the natural lens, the eye’s focusing power can be improved and astigmatism corrected.

The STAAR Toric™ Intraocular Lens is foldable so it can be easily inserted into the eye. Dr. Pit Gills will create a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea to insert the small, folded lens. Once in place, the lens will gently unfold, its toric (rounded) curve counteracting irregularities of the natural lens that cause astigmatism, allowing for clear, crisp vision.

Contact refractive surgery specialist, Dr. Pit Gills, serving patients from Florida and throughout the world, to find out if you can benefit from the STAAR Toric™ Intraocular Lens.

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