Relaxing Incisions For Correction of Astigmatism
OVERVIEW
The usual shape of the front surface of the eye (the cornea) is round. It allows focused light to converge at the back of the eye, on the retina. If the corneal surface is oval instead of round, a condition known as astigmatism is present. Astigmatism causes blurred vision and is corrected with either glasses or contact lenses, and in some cases, surgery.
Surgically placed relaxing incisions, small incisions on the edge of the corneal surface, cause the corneal curvature to change, becoming more rounded, thereby reducing astigmatism. The incisions differ in number and length according to preoperative measurements.
Relaxing incisions do not always totally eliminate astigmatism. In some cases, there may be "over-response" or "under-response." Seldom is corneal astigmatism completely corrected; however, significant reduction produces a more normal visual result.
When performed in combination with cataract and lens implant surgery, relaxing incisions can result in improved uncorrected visual acuity which in turn decreases the need for glasses after surgery.
St. Luke's Cataract & Laser
Institute provides this on-line information for educational and
communication purposes only and it should not be construed as
personal medical advice. Information published on this St.
Luke's website is not intended to replace, supplant, or augment a
consultation with an eye care professional regarding the
viewer/user's own medical care. St. Luke's disclaims any and
all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use
of the information obtained from this site.