Astigmatism is a disease of the eye when the cornea is irregular or oblong in shape and refracts the light entering the eyes to two or more focal points. This causes vision to be blurred at all distances unlike short sightedness or far sightedness. Depending on the severity of astigmatism, the corrective means are decided. Corrective contact lenses and spectacles are for those who suffer from minor or medium astigmatism. However, laser surgery is a way to correct severe astigmatism. Symptoms of astigmatism are blurred and dim vision at all distances, fatigued eye, headache and lack of concentration while reading.
Laser surgery is available in two methods, LASIK and PRK. Lasik involves creation of a flap in the front eye and vaporizing the underlying layer by laser. PRK does not create a flap over the eye but removal of the front layer before creating an underlying layer. Regular astigmatism can be cured with lenses or surgery as per severity, irregular astigmatism is not curable.
