Can they perform Lasik on a person that is farsighted and has astigmatism?

Farsightedness and astigmatism are two rather different things. Astigmatism is typically a variability in the degree of far- or near-sightedness depending on the orientation of your line of sight. It is usually treated at the same time as any nearsightedness. Mixed astigmatism (some of the eye's focus by the cornea is too steep and some too flat) can also be treated rather well.

"Farsightedness" can mean (in strict medical terms) either of two overlapping problems in focus: hyperopia or presbyopia. [The latter is overwhelmingly what most people mean when they say farsightedness.] Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near vision due to the hardening of the natural lens. It will happen to everybody who is blessed to live long enough. Presbyopia does not, by itself, affect distance vision. Since LASIK is by definition a treatment of the cornea and not the natural lens of the eye, it cannot be corrected with LASIK.

Hyperopia, however, can affect both distance and near vision if it severe enough. But you can have both types of farsightedness at the same time! While hyperopia is treatable with LASIK, the results are not as long-lasting as LASIK treatments for myopia (nearsightedness).

Be careful to understand which of these types of vision problems you may have. Do not make the mistake of assuming that both types of farsightedness will be eliminated with LASIK.

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic