My right eye see's 20-40-2. My astigmatism is -2.00+7.00*105. I understand that a +7 astigmatism is very severe and the places I checked in Canada only operate up to 4.5...Is there any hope for me..Are there any places in the world that might do this "cutting edge" technology on my eye. Lasik vision of Canada said it was too risky at this time. I am 32 and dream to see well out of my right eye. Any feedback on my question would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You

Eric,
The lasers correct up to 4 diopters of astigmatism. Some doctors have been very successful with a procedure called arcuate keratotomy (which is different from radial keratotomy). A relaxing incision is placed that will remove some of your astigmatism. After a few months (once the eye has stabalized), a person can then consider LASIK to remove the rest of the refractive error.
Where do you live?

Thanks for the reply Dr. Trattler. I live in Wisconsin. My Dad wants to get the operation done for me soon and we are willing to travel just about anywhere...even Europe! I hear the FDA hasn't approved some prodedures here in the states that are being done elswhere.

There are several factors which need to be considered:
1. What is the refraction in your other eye?
2. Do you have amblyopia or a "lazy" eye in the eye with the astigmatism? Often if a refractive error isn't corrected in early childhood, the vision may never reach 20/20.
3. What is the size of your pupil in dim light? If it's much larger than say 6-7 mm, you are going to get a lot of glare either with the arcuate keratotomy that Dr. Trattler talked about , or with a pure laser procedure when one is available to treat the full astigmatism.

If these parameters are met, you could consider partially treating the astigmatism with the AK incisions, and the having lasik for the remainder. Keep in mind that even after a partial correction of your astigmatism you will have what's known as "hyperopic astigmatism" and with the current technology, no laser can treat that just yet. The closest is VISX, and they should have approval within the next 6 months. Other lasers (ones that are not approved) may be able to help, but you would have to go to Mexico or Europe. I'd be happy to see you if you want to come down to Chicago, but you might try Steve Slade in Houston. He has access to a Chiron laser that may be able to help. Good Luck!

Parag A. Majmudar, MD
Chicago,IL