How LASIK at Kleiman Evangelista Helped Me Overcome Astigmatism
For years, I dealt with blurry vision, headaches, and poor night vision because of my astigmatism. My prescription lenses corrected these common symptoms, but I was tired of relying on eyeglasses and contact lenses for clear vision. I had always wondered, “Can you have LASIK with astigmatism?” After hearing positive feedback from friends and reading online patient reviews, I scheduled a free consultation at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is one of the most common eye conditions and is caused by an irregular curvature of the eye’s cornea or lens. In a healthy eye, the cornea and lens are typically round, allowing light to focus at a single point on the retina at the back of the eye. With astigmatism, the cornea or lens has an uneven, oval shape, which creates multiple focal points and results in blurry or distorted vision.
Other common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Eye strain or discomfort, especially after reading or screen use
- Frequent headaches related to vision strain
- Difficulty seeing at night
Astigmatism can also co-occur with other eye conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or even cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can significantly impact your quality of life. Consulting with an experienced eye doctor is the first step in determining the right treatment plan.
How LASIK Surgery Corrects Astigmatism
LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a refractive eye surgery that corrects astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. The eye surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a small flap on the cornea’s outer layer. This flap allows access to the underlying corneal tissue, which is then reshaped using an excimer laser. The goal is to create a more uniform curve that eliminates multiple focal points, effectively correcting astigmatism.
At Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas, advanced imaging and mapping technologies ensure that every LASIK procedure is customized to the patient’s unique eye shape. This personalized approach increases the success rate and reduces potential complications. For people considering LASIK, understanding the science behind the procedure can ease concerns and build confidence in the outcome.
My LASIK Experience from Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas
Everyone at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas made me feel comfortable from my initial eye exam to my final postoperative appointment. During my free consultation, the team used state-of-the-art equipment to assess my corneal health, thickness, and shape and confirmed that I was an ideal candidate for LASIK despite my astigmatism. They also explained other options, such as clear lens exchange, which is often recommended to patients who may not qualify for LASIK. I also received critical preoperative instructions and information about my payment options, which made the investment in my vision more manageable.
Dr. Yusra Siddiqui, a cataract and refractive surgeon specializing in LASIK, performed my eye surgery. She was highly skilled, personable, and thorough. She gave me medication to help me relax and used anesthetic eye drops to numb my eyes. I just had to focus on a single point of light while the laser worked. If my eye moved inadvertently, the laser stopped. I felt only the slightest pressure, and the procedure was simple, painless, and lasted only a few minutes for both eyes.
Why LASIK Was the Clear Choice for Me
Immediately after my surgery, I noticed a difference in my vision clarity. I experienced a few common side effects, including temporary dry eye and blurred vision, but they quickly diminished in the following days with my lubricating and prescription eye drops. I followed my postoperative care instructions exactly, and Dr. Siddiqui confirmed everything was healing correctly during my follow-up visits.
LASIK not only corrected my astigmatism but also increased my confidence and daily comfort. Driving at night has become much easier, and I feel self-assured on the road. Morning and bedtime routines are less complicated without worrying about contacts, glasses, or lens solutions. I appreciate the little things more now — reading street signs, recognizing friends across the room, and enjoying the scenery during outdoor activities.
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and are considering LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism or are curious about other vision correction surgeries that might be right for your eye health, I genuinely encourage contacting Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas. It’s an investment in your daily comfort, confidence, and clarity, and I’m grateful every day that I took the leap.