Can you get LASIK with astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism, you might be wondering whether LASIK could give you the clear vision you’ve always wanted. The good news? LASIK has helped millions of people correct their vision, including those with astigmatism. But is it right for you? In this article, we’ll explore how LASIK works for astigmatism, who makes a good candidate, and what to consider before making a decision.

It’s important to remember that LASIK isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While many people with astigmatism are suitable candidates, others may need to explore alternative options.

Before considering any procedure, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified ophthalmologist to determine what’s best for your unique vision needs. If you are considering LASIK in Adelaide, you may wish to contact us at IVISION LASER for a consultation.

Understanding astigmatism and how it affects vision

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea (the front surface of the eye) or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, an eye with astigmatism is shaped more like a rugby ball. This uneven curvature prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances.

Symptoms and impact on daily life

Mild astigmatism may go unnoticed, but higher levels can cause noticeable vision problems. Common symptoms include:

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Eye strain or discomfort
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Headaches
• Frequent squinting.

These issues can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, or using digital screens more challenging. If left uncorrected, astigmatism may also contribute to fatigue and difficulty maintaining focus for extended periods¹Wiggins and Daum (1991) Visual discomfort and astigmatic refractive errors in VDT use. Journal of the American Optometric Association. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1815002/ .

How astigmatism differs from nearsightedness and farsightedness

Astigmatism is often confused with other refractive errors, but it has some key differences:

Nearsightedness (Myopia): People with myopia can see close objects clearly but struggle with distant vision. This happens when the eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Those with hyperopia see distant objects more clearly than close ones. This occurs when the eye is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina.

Astigmatism: Unlike myopia or hyperopia, which affect vision at specific distances, astigmatism can blur vision at both near and far distances due to the irregular curvature of the eye.

Many people have a combination of astigmatism with either myopia or hyperopia. If you’re considering LASIK, understanding the type and degree of your refractive error is essential in determining whether the procedure is suitable for you.

Is LASIK a suitable treatment for astigmatism?

How LASIK corrects astigmatism

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely used laser eye surgery designed to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors, including astigmatism.

During the procedure:

1. A precise laser creates a thin flap on the cornea
2. The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using another laser to correct its curvature
3. The flap is repositioned, allowing the eye to heal naturally.

For astigmatism, LASIK smooths out the irregular curvature of the cornea, helping light to focus more evenly on the retina. This results in sharper vision, reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses²Wallerstein et al. (2019) Primary Topography-Guided LASIK: Refractive, Visual, and Subjective Quality of Vision Outcomes for Astigmatism ⩾2.00 Diopters. Journal of refractive surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30742221/ .

What level of astigmatism is too high for LASIK?

LASIK can effectively treat mild to moderate astigmatism, typically up to 6.00 dioptres³Gurnani and Kaur (2023) Astigmatism. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/statpearls/article-145062/ . However, eligibility depends on multiple factors, including:

• Corneal thickness: Thinner corneas may not be suitable for reshaping⁴ Moshirfar et al. (2023) Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/statpearls/article-35813/
• Overall eye health: Conditions like dry eye syndrome or keratoconus may make LASIK less suitable⁵Rachael Zimlich, RN, BSN (2021) Femto LASIK: What to Expect, Recovery, and More. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/femto-lasik ⁶Rachael Zimlich, RN, BSN (2022) Laser Eye Surgery: What You Should Know. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/laser-eye-surgery
• Stability of prescription: Your vision should be stable for at least 12 months before surgery⁷Tim Jewell (2018) PRK vs. LASIK: Differences, Pros, Cons, and What to Expect. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik ⁸Doane et al. (undefined) A comprehensive approach to LASIK. Physiology & behavior. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8954411/ .

If your astigmatism is too high for LASIK, other options such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), or implantable contact lenses (ICLs) may be recommended instead⁹Moshirfar et al. (2023) Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/statpearls/article-81905/ ¹⁰Katz et al. (2013) LASIK versus photorefractive keratectomy for high myopic (> 3 diopter) astigmatism. Journal of refractive surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24202704/ .

Can you get LASIK with astigmatism and nearsightedness?

Yes, many people with both astigmatism and nearsightedness (myopia) are good candidates for LASIK. The laser can correct both issues simultaneously by reshaping the cornea to improve focus for distant objects while also smoothing out irregularities caused by astigmatism¹¹Natalie Silver (2021) Lasik for Astigmatism: What to Expect. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/lasik-for-astigmatism ¹²Dougherty et al. (2008) Topographically guided laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia using a customized aspherical treatment zone. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19006731/ ¹³Yang et al. (2001) Laser in situ keratomileusis for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11738910/ .

Can you get LASIK with astigmatism and farsightedness?

Yes, LASIK can also be performed on individuals with astigmatism and farsightedness (hyperopia). Your eye specialist will assess whether LASIK is the best option or if an alternative treatment, such as refractive lens exchange (RLE), might be more suitable.

Ultimately, a comprehensive eye examination with an experienced ophthalmologist is the best way to determine whether LASIK is the right choice for correcting your astigmatism.

Laser eye surgery for astigmatism – Pros and cons

Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism

LASIK offers several advantages for people with astigmatism, making it a popular choice for vision correction:

Clearer vision – Some patients may achieve clearer vision, and in some cases, results may approach 20/20. Outcomes vary based on individual circumstances¹⁴Liu et al. (2008) Seven-year follow-up of LASIK for moderate to severe myopia. Journal of refractive surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19044235/

• Minimal discomfort – LASIK is virtually painless due to numbing eye drops, and recovery is usually quick¹⁵Mayo Clinic (2024) LASIK eye surgery. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774
• Reduced dependence on glasses and contact lenses – Many people no longer need corrective lenses after LASIK, or only require them for specific activities¹⁶Lindbohm et al. (2009) LASIK for myopia of -9.00 to -17.00 D with the VISX STAR S2: 2- to 5-year follow-up. Journal of refractive surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19241770/
• Long-lasting results – Once the cornea is reshaped, the correction is generally permanent, though natural age-related changes may still occur over time¹⁷Alió et al. (2008) Ten-year follow-up of laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia of up to -10 diopters. American journal of ophthalmology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18154754/ .

LASIK vs other astigmatism correction procedures

While LASIK is a popular choice for correcting astigmatism, it is not the only option. Other procedures, such as PRK, SMILE, and lens implants, may be more suitable for some individuals depending on their eye health and prescription.

Which procedure is right for you?

The best procedure for astigmatism correction depends on factors such as the severity of astigmatism, corneal thickness, eye health, and personal lifestyle. A consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist can help determine the most suitable option based on your unique needs.

Conclusion – Should you get LASIK for astigmatism?

LASIK has helped many people with astigmatism achieve clearer vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, it is not suitable for everyone. The best candidates have a stable prescription, mild to moderate astigmatism, healthy corneas, and realistic expectations about the outcome.

If you are considering LASIK, it is important to have an open discussion with your ophthalmologist. Ask about your suitability, potential risks, expected results, and any alternative procedures that may be more appropriate for your eyes. Understanding the long-term benefits and possible limitations will help you make an informed decision.

The next step is to schedule a free consultation with a qualified eye surgeon. A thorough examination will determine whether LASIK is the right choice or if another treatment would be more effective for your specific vision needs. If you are in the Adelaide area, consider contacting IVISION LASER for a consultation. Take the time to explore your options, understand the costs involved, and prepare for a smooth recovery. With the right guidance, you can decide whether LASIK is the best solution to correct your astigmatism and improve your quality of life.