What is mixed astigmatism and is the Autonomous Laser the only machine that can correct it?

Can you post the refraction in question, so I can comment on whether it is miexed astigmatism.
The medical term for a refractive error where there is either myopia or hyperopia, with a corresponding degree of astigmatism that has specific characteristics. Here are some examples of some prescriptions with mixed astigmatism:

+2.00 of hyperopia with -3.00 of astigmatism - in this example, with +2.00 of hyperopia, and astigmatism greater than 2 diopters would make this prescription mixed astigmatism

As well -2.00 of myopia with +3.00 of astigmatism (here - astigmatism greater than +2.00 will make this mixed astigmatism)

As for the lasers - I have a VISX, and as the current time the laser is not programmed to treat mixed astigmatism. I am not aware whether the autonomous can treat mixed astigmatism

I hope this helps

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

Dr. Trattler, here is my current refraction, 50-days post LASIK.

R: +1.25 -1.25 x 7
L: +0.25 -0.75 x 9

My original Rx was:

R: +0.25 -5 x 19
L: -0.25 -4 x 162

One more question, if possible, do you recommend an enhancement for both, or at least the right eye?
Thank you

Your prescriptions are bnoth "mixed astigmatism" - I do not believe that any of the lasers can treat this, but I do not know all of the details about the autonomous.
As for which eye's to enhance - it all depends on how you are doing. If you are seeing pretty well - then perhaps it is better not to do anything. If on the other hand, you are having difficulties with your vision, you can consider an enhancement - perhaps on one eye first. Remember, every procedure has risks, so you need to weigh the risks versus the benefits

I hope this helps

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

Dr. Trattler, I think I understand what makes my RX a "mixed astigmatism". I am somewhat disappointed as I was under the impression that just about anyone can try an enhancement. I was never told if I would end up with mixed astimgatism then enhancement would not be an option. But then again, I wasn't told about many other things either!

As far as my vision, I see pretty well in daylight, and reading is a little bit of a problem as the right eye cannot see up close, but the left is fairly good and makes up for the right. However, in dim light, especially driving at night, I am very uncomfortable. Too many rays of light and overall bluriness, just like before LASIK when I took my glasses off. I actually welcome the head lights from oncomig traffic!

My doctor (far away) will not even consider an enhancement before 6 months, and I am 80 days (sorry, in my previous post I said 50 days but that was a mistake) post LASIK now and simply hope I see better and won't need an enhancement. Rather optimistic, I know..!

Thanks for your reply to mine, and so many other posts here. You are a very kind person.

Am I understanding that my post lasik prescription which is currently: OD +.75 -.50X85;
OS +1.00 -1.50 is mixed astigmatism and that at the present time it is not possible to correct this? If I had an enhancement just to correct the astigmatism would that make me more farsighted? I appreciate any answers to this. Thanks much.

Yes - the prescription you provided is mixed astigmatism - which can be treated on the autonomous laser but not the VISX or other lasers.

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

Thanks much for your reply, Dr. Trattler. I do have one more question, though. What about the lasik procedure would cause mixed astigmatism? I ask this because prior to lasik I did not have mixed astigmatism. Thanks.