Astigmatism is one of the most common vision problems, often causing blurred or distorted vision. Many people who live with this condition rely on glasses or contact lenses for clearer sight. But with advancements in refractive surgery, the question often comes up: can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism? The short answer is yes, for many people it can. But understanding how it works, what the process involves, and whether you are a good candidate is essential before making a decision.
Understanding Astigmatism and How It Affects Vision
Astigmatism happens when the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly round. Instead of being shaped like a basketball, it is more like a rugby ball. This irregularly shaped cornea or lens causes light rays to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than a single point on the retina. The result is blurred vision, distorted vision, or difficulty seeing fine details.
Common Symptoms of Astigmatism
- Blurry vision at all distances
- Eye strain and headaches
- Trouble focusing on fine print or small objects
- Difficulty with night vision
Many people with astigmatism also have other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. This is why treating astigmatism often involves correcting multiple vision issues at the same time.
How Laser Eye Surgery Works for Astigmatism
Laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK surgery, can correct astigmatism by reshaping the corneal tissue. This allows light to enter the eye and focus correctly on the retina, producing a clearer image.
The Role of the Excimer and Femtosecond Lasers
- Femtosecond laser: Creates a thin corneal flap with high precision.
- Excimer laser: Removes microscopic layers of corneal tissue to achieve the desired curvature.
By smoothing out corneal irregularities, these lasers help light pass through the eye evenly, reducing or eliminating astigmatism.
LASIK Surgery and Other Refractive Surgeries for Astigmatism
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK is the most common form of laser vision correction for astigmatism. During the procedure:
- You receive numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable.
- The femtosecond laser creates a small flap in the cornea.
- The excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue.
- The flap is repositioned, and healing begins naturally.
LASIK can fix astigmatism, long sightedness, and nearsightedness in the same procedure. Recovery is usually quick, and most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK works similarly to LASIK but does not involve creating a flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea is removed before reshaping. It is an option for people with thinner corneas, though recovery takes longer.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE uses a laser to remove a small lens-shaped piece of tissue from within the cornea through a tiny incision. It is effective for certain degrees of astigmatism and may cause less dry eye in recovery.
Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Surgery
For people who are not good candidates for corneal laser surgery, replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens can also correct astigmatism. Toric lenses, for example, are designed specifically for astigmatism correction.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Pre-Surgery Evaluation
Your eye surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation, including:
- Eye health assessment
- Measurement of corneal thickness and shape
- Mapping of corneal irregularities
- Review of your overall health and any existing vision problems
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK or other refractive surgeries. You must have healthy eyes, stable vision for at least a year, and no major underlying eye conditions such as advanced glaucoma or severe dry eye.
During the Procedure
- Numbing eye drops are applied for comfort.
- The procedure is quick, often lasting less than 30 minutes for both eyes.
- There is no pain, but you may feel mild pressure.
Recovery and Results
Most patients experience temporary discomfort, dryness, or light sensitivity for a few days. Clearer vision often comes within 24 to 48 hours, but full stabilization can take a few weeks.
Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism
- Reduced or eliminated need for glasses or contacts
- Better quality of vision without the distortions of an irregular cornea
- Quick recovery compared to other eye surgeries
- Long-lasting results, with many people enjoying improved vision for years
For those who wear glasses or contact lenses daily, the freedom from corrective lenses can be life-changing.
Limitations and Considerations
While laser eye surgery can fix astigmatism for many patients, there are some factors to keep in mind:
- Severe astigmatism may require additional treatments or specialized procedures.
- Results may vary depending on age, overall health, and healing response.
- Vision changes can still occur over time due to natural aging.
- Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK, PRK, or SMILE.
Your eye doctor may suggest alternative options such as toric contact lenses, toric intraocular lenses during cataract surgery, or continuing with glasses if surgery is not suitable.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Right for You?
If you have blurry vision from astigmatism and want a more permanent solution than glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery may be worth exploring. The best way to find out is to have an in-depth eye exam and consultation with an experienced eye specialist.
You Might Be a Good Candidate If:
- You are over 18 and your vision has been stable for at least a year
- You have healthy eyes without severe disease
- Your corneal thickness and shape are suitable for surgery
- You understand the potential risks and benefits
Who May Not Be Suitable
- People with uncontrolled eye diseases such as severe glaucoma
- Those with unstable vision
- Individuals with significant corneal scarring or thinning
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to vision fluctuations)
The Bottom Line
Laser eye surgery can correct astigmatism for many patients by reshaping the corneal tissue to allow light to focus on a single point in the eye. Whether through LASIK surgery, PRK, SMILE, or lens-based procedures, modern refractive surgery offers effective solutions for clearer vision. However, the success of the procedure depends on individual factors, so a thorough evaluation by an experienced laser eye surgeon is essential.
If you are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses and want to know if laser eye surgery can fix your astigmatism, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is the first step toward clearer vision.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery/
https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/lasik-for-astigmatism