Astigmatism is an eye disorder where the cornea of eyeball is not symmetrical. It is more convex and shaped like a football in astigmatism. People with the problem of astigmatism usually have a family history of astigmatism eye disorder. They usually need thick glasses or high-power contact lens to correct their vision.
 

Astigmatism keratotomy eye surgery is advised for correction of astigmatism where incisions are made in the cornea to correct its symmetry. Astigmatism keratotomy eye surgery is commonly known as AK. These days, conventional astigmatism eye surgery has been replaced by LASIK (laser in site keratomileusis) using a highly specialized Excimer laser.

The incisions made over the cornea in this procedure make the cornea relax and it attains a normal shape, thus correcting astigmatism. Prognosis of astigmatism keratotomy eye surgery is good for people with a mild problem of astigmatism. Their vision improves and they may not need glasses or contact lens following the procedure.
 

For people with severe astigmatism, glasses or contact lenses may be required even after this surgery. The risks involved in this process are overshadowed by the benefits in individual cases before the surgery.

Chief risks include:

LASIK eye surgery is currently very popular. Many types of LASIK surgeries including wavefront optimized laser and wavefront guided laser are available. LASIK is mainly used to correct vision/refractory problems. Many young people who wish to avoid contact lenses and eyeglasses are undergoing LASIK surgery. Apart from astigmatism, this is indicated for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and age-related loss of focusing.
 

The risks involved in LASIK surgery are less as the amount of tissue removed from the cornea can be better controlled. Therefore, LASIK surgery is more precise and results-oriented than AK. Chief risks of this procedure are: