Corneal Mapping
Detailed scans map the curve of the whole cornea, showing whether astigmatism is regular and treatable.
Chester-le-Street · County Durham
Laser Eye Surgery in Chester-le-Street: Astigmatism and More
Sitting between Durham and Newcastle on the East Coast Main Line, Chester-le-Street is home to a lot of commuters, and many of them have been told at some point that they have astigmatism. That word puts some people off asking about laser eye surgery, often unnecessarily.
Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle offers LASIK, LASEK and PRK for suitable adults. A free, no-obligation quote leads to a detailed eye assessment and a written quotation, and appointment locations and aftercare are confirmed before you book.
- Chester-le-Street & nearby
- Astigmatism assessed
- Free, no-obligation quote
Astigmatism
Can Astigmatism Be Corrected With Laser Eye Surgery?
In many cases, yes. Astigmatism happens when the cornea is curved more steeply in one direction than another, a bit like the back of a spoon rather than a football. The laser can reshape the cornea to reduce that uneven curve.
Treated at the Same Time
Most people with astigmatism are also short- or long-sighted. Both are usually corrected in a single treatment.
Limits Do Apply
Very high levels of astigmatism, or astigmatism caused by an irregular cornea, may not be suitable for laser treatment. Your corneal scans will show which applies to you.
Toric Lenses Versus Laser
If you wear toric contact lenses that twist out of position, laser treatment is one way to stop relying on them.
Assessment
How Is Astigmatism Measured?
A standard sight test gives a prescription. A laser eye surgery assessment goes much further.
Enough Tissue to Treat
Correcting astigmatism removes tissue, so there must be enough thickness to do so safely.
How Your Prescription Has Changed
A stable prescription over at least a year shows that your astigmatism is not changing. You must also be 18 or over.
Ruling Out Keratoconus
This condition causes irregular astigmatism and needs a different approach. Screening for it is a standard part of the assessment.
Treatments
Choosing the Right Procedure
All three treatments can correct astigmatism. Which one you are offered depends on your corneas and lifestyle.
LASIK for Commuters
A thin flap is lifted, the cornea beneath is reshaped and the flap is replaced. Recovery is quick, which suits Chester-le-Street commuters who cannot take much time off.
LASEK Where the Cornea Is Thinner
The laser treats the surface without a deep flap, which helps where the cornea is thinner. Expect about a week of recovery.
PRK and Physical Jobs
Removes the outer layer, which regrows over several days. A good option for contact sports and physical jobs.
Travel
A Short Commute From Chester-le-Street
Trains from Chester-le-Street reach Newcastle in around ten minutes, so getting to an assessment or check-up rarely takes long. The A167 and the A1(M) are the main road routes north. On treatment day, though, you will not be able to drive, and the same applies after an assessment that uses dilating drops. Bring someone with you, or take the train together. Every appointment location is confirmed before you book.
Recovery
Back to Work After Treatment
The First Day
Rest at home with your eyes closed as much as possible. Some grittiness and watering is normal.
The Next Few Days
After LASIK, many people return to office work within a few days. Surface treatments need closer to a week.
The Following Weeks
Vision continues to sharpen, and follow-up appointments check that everything is healing as expected.
Pricing
Understanding the Cost
Prices depend on the procedure recommended, how complex your prescription is (including any astigmatism) and whether one or both eyes are treated. You receive a written quotation after your assessment.
Laser eye surgery to reduce reliance on glasses is not normally available on the NHS.
Questions to Ask
Is the price the same for both eyes? Are follow-up appointments and drops included? How would an enhancement be charged if one were needed?
Everyday vision
Everyday Situations Where Astigmatism Shows
Uncorrected astigmatism blurs vision at every distance, which is why so many commuters in Chester-le-Street notice it day to day.
Headlights on Wet Roads
Lights can look streaked or smeared, especially on wet roads.
Reading and Screens
Letters may appear slightly doubled, and long spells at a computer can lead to eyestrain and headaches.
Watching Sport at the Riverside
Following a ball against the sky is harder when distance vision is distorted, and glasses or toric lenses are not always comfortable for a full day outdoors.
Areas we cover
Around the Town and Nearby Villages
Beyond Chester-le-Street town centre, we hear from people in Pelton Fell, Sacriston, Waldridge, Great Lumley and Pelton, as well as Ouston, Birtley and Kimblesworth. You can also read about Durham and Washington, or browse all the areas we serve.
- Pelton Fell
- Sacriston
- Waldridge
- Great Lumley
- Ouston
Nearby areas we cover
FAQs
Questions About Astigmatism and Treatment
Is laser eye surgery more expensive if I have astigmatism?
It can depend on the complexity of your prescription. Your written quotation will reflect your own measurements.
Will my astigmatism come back?
The correction is designed to be permanent, but the eye can still change with age. Your clinician will explain what to expect.
Can I have treatment if I have only mild astigmatism?
Yes, mild astigmatism is often corrected at the same time as short- or long-sightedness.
Do I need special scans because of my astigmatism?
Corneal mapping is part of every assessment. It is especially important with astigmatism, because it shows whether the curve is regular and treatable.
How soon could I commute by train again?
Many people travel to work by train within a few days of LASIK, once their eyes feel comfortable. After a surface treatment it can take around a week. Wear sunglasses on the platform if bright light bothers you, and avoid reading small print on your phone for long periods at first.
Next step
Find Out If Your Astigmatism Is Treatable
If you live in Chester-le-Street and have been told you have astigmatism, request a free, no-obligation quote. We will explain your options and arrange a detailed assessment.