Astigmatism management: ablation patterns.

Treatment of astigmatism is possible with the excimer laser. Results with this technology are more predictable and accurate than with incisional techniques. Ablation profiles differ for the various types of astigmatism, and the best approach is the one in which the least amount of tissue is removed from the cornea. Surgical success requires appropriate preoperative counseling, careful preoperative measurements, and meticulous intraoperative technique. Reported outcomes are excellent and future developments will lead to even better results.