Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects the shape of the cornea or the lens inside the eye. It causes blurred or distorted vision at a distance and up close. People have used glasses and contacts to correct astigmatism, but new medical technology now provides more treatment options. One such option is laser eye surgery (refractive surgery).

This blog post will explore whether laser eye surgery can effectively correct astigmatism.¹Bamashmus, M.A. et al. (2015) Functional outcome and patient satisfaction after laser in situ Keratomileusis for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism, Middle East African journal of ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4302464/ (Accessed: 13 December 2023).

Understanding astigmatism

Before delving into laser eye surgery, it’s important to have a basic understanding of astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. Imagine the cornea having an uneven curve, more like a rugby ball than a perfectly round football. This error can make everyday activities a challenge, affecting the quality of life.²Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302. This distorted vision can also cause eyestrain, headaches, and difficulties with reading or driving.

Astigmatism can be present alongside other refractive errors, such as short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia).

The role of laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery can fix astigmatism by changing the shape of the cornea. This allows light to focus properly on the retina. LASIK and SMILE are two types of laser eye surgery that can be used for this purpose. These treatments are quick, often painless,³Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302. and work well for astigmatism, depending on its severity and the patient’s eye health.

Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?

The answer is yes. Laser eye surgery can effectively correct astigmatism.⁴Bamashmus, M.A. et al. (2015) Functional outcome and patient satisfaction after laser in situ Keratomileusis for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism, Middle East African journal of ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4302464/ (Accessed: 13 December 2023).

LASIK for astigmatism

LASIK is the most well-known laser eye surgery. It involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, then using a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. It works for many astigmatism cases and has a quick recovery time. Patients experience improved vision immediately following surgery, within 48 hours.

SMILE for astigmatism

SMILE is the latest advancement in laser eye surgery and involves creating a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. SMILE is less invasive than LASIK and PRK⁵Bamashmus, M.A. et al. (2015) Functional outcome and patient satisfaction after laser in situ Keratomileusis for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism, Middle East African journal of ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4302464/ (Accessed: 13 December 2023). and is becoming a popular choice for correcting myopia and astigmatism.

Evaluating your suitability

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for laser eye surgery, LASIK, SMILE, et cetra. Factors influencing suitability include the severity of astigmatism, corneal thickness, overall eye health, and age. A thorough eye check by our skilled team is important to see if laser eye surgery could work for you.

The benefits

The most obvious benefit of correcting astigmatism with laser eye surgery is the dramatic improvement in visual clarity. Many patients report life-changing results, enjoying activities with newfound freedom and confidence. Additionally, the convenience of saying goodbye to glasses and contact lenses cannot be overstated, not to mention the long-term cost savings.

Risks and considerations

While laser eye surgery is generally safe, it’s important to understand the potential risks and complications, such as dry eyes, glare, and the need for a second surgery. Discussing these options with our team will help set realistic expectations.

Making the choice

Deciding to undergo laser eye surgery requires thorough research and expert advice to make a significant choice. Knowing the steps, recovery, and results will help you prepare for your vision correction journey.

Embrace clear vision

If you have astigmatism and want clear vision without glasses, laser eye surgery could help. With today’s technology, correcting astigmatism is more accessible and effective than ever.

If you’re considering laser eye surgery to correct astigmatism, consulting with an experienced ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon is crucial. They will evaluate your eyes, perform necessary tests, and determine the most suitable treatment options for your condition.

Not everyone is a candidate for laser vision correction. A thorough assessment is essential to ensure optimal results and minimize potential risks.⁶Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302.

Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery by taking our 2-minute self test!