How is astigmatism typically surgically corrected?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision. Surgical correction of astigmatism can be achieved through several methods, with astigmatic keratotomy being one of the most direct approaches to address this specific condition.

Astigmatic keratotomy involves making precise incisions in the cornea to flatten the steepest part, effectively reshaping it to improve visual acuity. This technique aims to reduce the uneven curvature of the cornea that characterizes astigmatism, thereby allowing light to focus more directly on the retina.

While laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is also used to correct astigmatism, it is primarily a procedure that uses laser technology to reshape the cornea overall and may not directly target the irregularities associated with astigmatism in the same manner as astigmatic keratotomy.

Scleral buckling and vitrectomy are procedures that address other eye conditions, such as retinal detachment and vitreous problems respectively, and are not used for correcting astigmatism. Therefore, astigmatic keratotomy is the most appropriate surgical method for specifically correcting the irregular curvature of the