ASTIGMATISM EXPLAINED
In these toggles we explain what you need to know about astigmatism
Watch this video on astigmatism:
Astigmatism occurs when the curve of the cornea is asymmetric so that it looks more like a rugby ball than a football. This produces multiple points of light focus and results in a blurred image.
In most cases, astigmatism is a natural variation. On some occasions astigmatism may be a sign of changes in the cornea that may require further tests.
To diagnose and examine astigmatism, we will perform the following tests:
- Refraction test
- Ocular examination
- A dilated fundus examination to check the health of the eye and retina
- A special scan that precisely measures the amount of corneal astigmatism
To correct astigmatism, patients must wear glasses or contact lenses.
However, to achieve the best visual outcomes without glasses or contact lenses, astigmatism can also be corrected at the time of cataract surgery or with refractive lens exchange with a choice of toric lens implants.
The most appropriate treatment option for you will depend on several factors, such as your:
- Spectacle prescription
- Age
- Job
- Hobbies
- Any existing eye conditions or issues
- The findings from your clinical examination
- The results of any further tests or corneal scans
Can I still have a lens replacement operation if I have astigmatism?
Yes, it is possible to correct astigmatism with a toric lens implant. This can be done with either a monofocal or multifocal lens implant.
Can cataract surgery make my astigmatism worse?
It is possible for astigmatism to increase after a cataract operation. This could result in blurred vision unless you wear glasses.
To minimise this risk, the cataract operation may be planned so that any induced change in astigmatism is kept to a minimum.
Furthermore, if the change in astigmatism is likely to be significant, then a toric lens implant may be recommended in order to optimise the visual outcome.
The tests that are performed before surgery will help your surgeon make the most appropriate recommendation.
I’ve already had a cataract operation but still have astigmatism and need to use my glasses all the time. Can this be treated?
Yes, it is possible to treat residual astigmatism.
The options include laser vision correction or a toric piggyback lens implant.
Depending on your individual circumstances, it may be possible to use a multifocal toric piggyback lens implant to treat astigmatism and provide improved reading vision without glasses.
Astigmatism: A tale of Two Patients
Patient 1 received cataract surgery with another surgeon at a different clinic. They had 2.5 dioptres of astigmatism before cataract surgery, but left with 4 dioptres after cataract surgery.
This left the patient with poor vision unless they wore glasses with a strong astigmatic prescription at all times.
The patient came to Prof Muhtaseb for help. He informed the patient of the benefits and risks of the various surgical means that could help to correct the residual astigmatism.
Patient 2 consulted Prof Muhtaseb about cataracts. She had 1 dioptre of astigmatism in her glasses. Prof Muhtaseb calculated the likely outcome with and without a toric lens implant using the latest technology for measuring the eye and calculating the best lens implant.
Taking into account the amount and direction of the astigmatism from the corneal measurements, and the effect of surgery on the corneal shape, Prof Muhtaseb recommended a toric lens implant with 2.75 dioptres of toric astigmatic correction. The patients post-operative result was excellent with zero astigmatism in each eye and sharply focused distance vision.
These cases illustrate the importance of accounting for the magnitude and direction of astigmatism before surgery – measuring the eye with very accurate devices, understanding the effect of surgery on the eye, using the most accurate formulae to model the post-operative outcome, and tailoring the lens implant choice to each individual eye. Every eye is different, and each patient should expect a tailored surgical plan for each eye.
This is Prof Muhtaseb’s standard of care.
INSURERS
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Discover the number one mistake patients make when choosing cataract surgery
Most people have cataract surgery without knowing about all the options they actually have surrounding cataract surgery. Unfortunately, most people only find this out after having cataract surgery. The information in this Wales Cataract Guide could save you frustration and worry. Simply click the button below to give us your email and we’ll send you this life changing guide:
BASIC INFORMATION OF ASTIGMATISM AND IF IT CAN BE TREATED BY CATARACT SURGERY
In this video, Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb demonstrates how the surgery will be carried out by using a visual demonstration
WHO WE SERVE
If you can see yourself below, then we can help you
You’re over 45 and would love to read again without glasses
Unfortunately, reading glasses or varifocals get in the way of many of the things you most enjoy. Yes, spectacles help, but they are annoying little appendages that you lose or must clean to see clearly.
If you feel annoyed, anxious and limited by reading glasses or varifocal spectacles, we can help. Don’t let your favourite hobbies become tiring chores.
Be free from reading specs for good. Experience the liberation from squinting and headaches that you might have already begun to accept as part of life.
Instead, look forward to enjoying everything that your vision has to offer. Whether you enjoy reading, gardening, or the great outdoors, everything looks better when your eyes see as young as you feel.
Get a new lease on life. Contact us today and take the first step towards a better life.
Your vision is yellowing, duller, and cataracts are forming. You feel like your eyes are letting you down
The effect on your life can vary from being slightly frustrating, through to significantly affecting your ability to function independently, or even causing a devastating reduction in vision.
Before you developed cataracts, you were living a full life. You may enjoy the outdoors, have indoor hobbies or enjoy travelling. Or, perhaps you have finished working and are now taking the time to enjoy everything you may have missed when you were busy making a living.
Sadly, your eyes now dull the shine of life’s beautiful landscape. The trees, the flowers and even the sky don’t seem as bright as they used to look.
Get your life back without the compromise. Experience what life used to look like. Even better, if you’ve worn glasses or contact lenses, discover the incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that modern cataract surgery affords.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
We treat patients from all across Wales
“I would like to thank you most sincerely for the laser surgery you performed to improve my eyesight. It really has improved the quality of my life and I feel like a new person.” ★★★★★
"I was given a choice of lenses and detailed information before making my decision. I am now able to drive and read without glasses. It was entirely painless and the care I received before and after the procedures was excellent.” ★★★★★
“I was very impressed with the preop eye assessment and the consultation by Mr Muhtaseb explaining the options properly, sensibly and in detail focusing on my individual situation. Surgery (PRK) went well, and the results are excellent.” ★★★★★
“My vision is really clear. I easily read the Sunday paper without glasses the day after my surgery.” ★★★★★
“Today I walked into work, enjoying seeing birds (I hadn't realised how few I'd been seeing). The cloud to my left eye has gone, and I have been able to read, type, teach without needing my glasses once.” ★★★★★
“Thank you so much for your kind and attentive care of my eyesight. Wonderful work! It is now a treat to have good binocular sight again!” ★★★★★
“I am just sending you this message to say that my optician seemed amazed at how well I am able to see and was very happy with everything. Thank you so much. I am really thrilled!” ★★★★★
“Mr T. called and asked me to pass a message to yourself stating that he had a marvellous experience with his visit and wanted to thank you very much for your time this morning. He said you were a proper gentleman and that he thought very highly of you.” ★★★★★
“A very grateful thank you to you and your team for the operations that have enhanced my sight so much. It is a wonderful feeling to have my confidence back both in walking and driving” ★★★★★
“Many thanks to ‘The No. 1 Medic'." ★★★★★
“Thank you so much, you’ve changed my life forever.” ★★★★★
“Mr Mutaseb and his team were very professional , friendly and reassuring and held a no hassle policy on having to follow through with any procedure for laser correction. The procedure could not have run smoother and the after care was excellent." ★★★★★
“I’m absolutely delighted with the vision in my eye following cataract surgery. The only problem is that I can no longer hit the golf ball out of sight!" ★★★★★
“Thank you for fixing my left eye." ★★★★★
“Thank you so much for the care and attention you gave me during my cataract operation. Much appreciated. You are the best. Thank you." ★★★★★
“Thank you for the care, help and being wonderful." ★★★★★
“I am very happy with Mr Muhtaseb’s professional, detailed and careful approach to my surgery. I have had successful surgery and am very happy with the result. This has been a life changing surgery for me." ★★★★★
“Thank you for all that you have done. I would not have gone through it without the complete trust I have in you. Thanks again.” ★★★★★
“It’s fantastic. I feel like a new person.” ★★★★★
“Thank you for taking such good care of me during my LASIK surgery – I was terrified! I am so pleased with the outcome, which was pretty much instant – it has made such a difference to my life not having to wear glasses all the time." ★★★★★
“I would like to thank you for operating to remove my cataracts in both my eyes. It is the first time in my life that I'm able to see without glasses or contact lenses. I've been short-sighted since I was a child when I used to sit at the front of the class in school to see the blackboard. Once again thank you, I'm so grateful to you." ★★★★★
“I reviewed Mrs A in my clinic today, where she tells me she is extremely grateful to you for her recent right cataract surgery. She is absolutely delighted with the result, although very disappointed that she is now able to see the wrinkles in the mirror!" ★★★★★
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your surgical staff for making my life so much better after my two cataract operations. It has meant a massive change to my life, both physically and mentally. It is literally like a massive cloud has been lifted from my life and taken me back years." ★★★★★
“Many thanks to you and your team for all the kindness, care and expertise shown to me when having my cataracts removed. It is lovely to have a new lease of life.” ★★★★★
“I can’t thank you enough for the gift your ability as a surgeon has given me. I am like a child with a wonderful new toy. I can see the world anew." ★★★★★
“I’m amazed at how much I can see.” ★★★★★
“I made my highest break in years last week. It was 137!" ★★★★★
“Thank you for the amazing operations - they have made a wonderful difference. I enjoy seeing the world so well!" ★★★★★
“Thank you for your time and patience. I haven’t that much care [afforded] to me, and you have a wonderful team around you. Once again, big thank you." ★★★★★
“I would like to thank you for the cataract surgery to both my eyes, which for me have been life-changing. From being barely legal to drive even with glasses, not being able to recognise faces while out walking and not being able to see the racing marks while out sailing, I have been able to consign those to history." ★★★★★
Patients will form queues for post-COVID cataract surgery. You can make progress towards clear vision (and beat the queue for surgery) by having your first appointment from the safety of your home
Meet online or over the phone with our surgeon, Prof Muhtaseb, and get a clear answer about all of your cataract surgery options (including the little known possibility of fixing your reading and/or distance vision at the same as you fix your cataracts). Critically, after your video or telephone appointment, you will have the opportunity to secure your spot on the waiting list once our clinic re-opens. Click the button below now to book your video or telephone appointment…
HOW IT WORKS
Enjoy a life free from cataracts, glasses and contact lenses in three easy steps
Meet your consultant
I’ll see you before treatment to ensure you’re a good candidate and treat you at one of my facilities in South Wales or Bristol.
Revitalise your eyes
I’ll supervise your aftercare as you begin to experience a life free of cataracts and glasses and contact lenses.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Learn more about eye conditions and eye treatments
I don’t know enough about this procedure
In this video, Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb explains how he spends time with his patients, giving them the information they need so that they feel comfortable and well-informed. Book your consultation today.
What is Mohammed Muhtaseb’s safety record regarding refractive cataract surgery?
Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb, an ophthalmologist who specialised in Cataract and Refractive Surgery in the UK. Discover his safety record regarding refractive cataract surgery performance.
What is the biggest mistake people make when having cataract surgery?
When a patient considers having refractive cataract surgery, it is absolutely crucial that they're informed of all of their options.
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ABOUT THE EXPERT
Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb, FRCOphth
Consultant Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
iLase is the private practice of Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Prof Mohammed Muhtaseb. Based in South Wales, he is one of the very few ophthalmologists working in the UK who is a fellowship-trained specialist in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He holds full specialist registration with the General Medical Council and was appointed as a Consultant in the NHS in 2006.