Astigmatism is a visual impairment caused by an irregular corneal shape. In this case, the light rays intersect in front of the retina, causing the visible image to be distorted and blurred. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion people suffer from disorders such as astigmatism, myopia or farsightedness, which can be corrected.
Astigmatism can be corrected either with glasses or astigmatic contact lenses. Still, one of the most reliable and long-lasting correction methods – laser vision correction – helps to abandon contact lenses or glasses and forget the blurry vision caused by astigmatism for good.
Nominated for the Golden Stage Crosses, recognised by the National Opera and Ballet Theater as the soloist of the year, opera singer Aistė Pilibavičiūtė chose laser vision correction and decided not to worry about blurred vision ever again.
“There are plenty of reasons why I decided to go for the correction, but the main one – I had experienced an unpleasant situation while singing on stage – I looked at the notes, and they started to become extremely blurry. At the time, I panicked. After such incident, I started to seriously consider whether it would be worthwhile to make an eye correction,” opens A. Pilibavičiūtė.
According to Lolita Pošiūnienė, a microsurgeon at the Lirema Eye Clinic, patients with astigmatism may find it difficult to see small details from a distance and up close.
“Symptoms of astigmatism are associated with distorted, blurred vision and eye strain. Other symptoms of uncorrected astigmatism may include squinting, eye fatigue, or even headache. Of course, these symptoms do not necessarily mean that a person has astigmatism, but it is a reason for scheduling a visit with an ophthalmologist,” the doctor warns.
The Decision was Influenced by Daily Discomfort
Although A. Pilibavičiūtė’s vision was not very poor, the woman never liked wearing glasses. She also tried astigmatic contact lenses.
“After contact lenses, my eyes became very dry, tired, and I wanted to take them out as soon as possible. Even wearing glasses has never been comfortable for me. Glasses, lenses and all their accessories were financially expensive,” the woman recalls.
These were the main reasons why the opera singer decided to have an operation, but the daily discomfort also determined the choice of procedure.
“Other reasons were more mundane – such as doing makeup, straining when you can’t do it qualitatively because you just don’t see yourself. Also, having a young child who gets to know the world by touching everything, I often had to clean my glasses. And, of course, the very relevant problem these days – you put on glasses, a mask, and a hat in the cold season, and you practically don’t want to go outside. You feel constrained. It is uncomfortable,” says A. Pilibavičiūtė.
The Surgery is Quick and Painless
Interested in laser vision correction, Aistė consulted with relatives and colleagues who had already performed this treatment. Many have identified the choice to perform laser eye surgery as the best decision made in their lives. Not long after, the woman signed up for a visit to see if it was suitable for her at all.
“I underwent a thorough vision check at the clinic and found to be a suitable candidate for such a procedure. I was happy to be able to choose between surgeries of both standards. I registered for the operation, and not for long I was in the clinic again,” A. Pilibavičiūtė recalls.
On the day of the operation, the patient is greeted by a doctor, who informs about the entire procedure and possible postoperative sensations. Laser eye surgery is completely painless – anaesthetic drops are applied to the eyes before the operation, and the procedure itself lasts up to twenty minutes.
“Everything happens so fast. I’d say you can feel everything except the pain. In my case, I chose the standard of faster healing, so the eyeball was pressed in a vacuum, the pressure was a bit uncomfortable, but it only took a few seconds. Compared to the effect that you experience right after the treatment and hope to experience for a lifetime, it is completely worth it,” says A. Pilibavičiūtė.
Freedom in Trusting Your Eyes
Improved sight after laser eye surgery is felt immediately after the procedure, but the eye healing period differs depending on the correction standard. With the PREMIUM (FS-LASIK) method, you can live without glasses right after the treatment, the eyes heal quickly, and the correction effect is achieved in just a few days.
“A few days after the operation, I saw everything perfectly, went to the concert, watched it with my own eyes – it was incredible. Even now, I sometimes fix my glasses out of inertia as if they were still on my nose. A week after the surgery, I had a concert, and I was convinced that the notes would not become blurry, and I could trust my eyes – a fantastic feeling” A. Pilibavičiūtė is happy with the decision.
The woman cannot believe the medical possibilities and is grateful to have regained good eyesight.
“I can say that it is a miracle that it is possible to repair damaged vision so quickly and effectively. I would like to thank the entire Lirema team for their impeccable and professional work. If you ask me if it is worth doing such an operation, I would strongly recommend it!,” smiles A. Pilibavičiūtė.
Find out if laser eye surgery is available to you online here.