If you’ve been dealing with blurry or distorted vision, you might have astigmatism. It’s one of the most common refractive errors, and it happens when the cornea curves unevenly, more like a rugby ball than a perfectly round basketball. This irregular shape affects how light enters the eye, often leading to blurred vision at all distances.
For many people, glasses or contact lenses are the first solution. But what if you’re looking for a more permanent solution? That’s where laser eye surgery comes in. A popular question people ask is, can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism? The short answer is yes — for many individuals, it absolutely can.
Let’s break down how this works, what to expect, and whether you might be a good candidate for this life-changing procedure.
Understanding Astigmatism: Why Is Your Vision Blurry?
Astigmatism happens when your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) or your natural lens has an uneven curve. Instead of focusing light evenly onto the retina, it bends the light in different directions, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted vision (near and far)
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to bright lights
It can occur on its own or alongside other refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
So, Can Laser Eye Surgery Fix Astigmatism?
So, Can Laser Eye Surgery Fix Astigmatism?Yes, laser eye surgery can correct many types of astigmatism, especially corneal astigmatism. LASIK surgery is the most well-known option, designed to reshape the corneal tissue using a specialized excimer laser, allowing light to focus properly on the retina.
This is a proven, low-risk option with a very high success rate for the right candidates.
How LASIK Works for Treating Astigmatism
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of laser vision correction that involves reshaping the cornea. Here’s a simplified look at how the LASIK procedure works:
- Your eye surgeon applies numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable.
- A thin corneal flap is created and gently lifted.
- A laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue, correcting the irregular shape that causes astigmatism.
- The flap is repositioned to heal naturally.
LASIK surgery is quick—usually taking only 10 to 15 minutes per eye—and most patients report clearer vision within a few weeks.
Other Refractive Surgeries That Treat Astigmatism
LASIK isn’t the only type of eye surgery for astigmatism. If you’re not eligible for LASIK, your eye doctor might recommend:
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Similar to LASIK but without creating a corneal flap. Great for people with thin corneas.
- Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE): A minimally invasive laser-assisted surgery where a small piece of corneal tissue is removed to reshape the cornea.
- Refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery: Toric lenses can be used to replace the natural lens and correct astigmatism in older adults or people with cataracts.
Each of these refractive surgeries targets the refractive error by addressing the shape or clarity of the cornea or lens.
Are You a Good Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
While laser eye procedures offer a permanent solution for many, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Your eye doctor will conduct a detailed assessment that includes:
- Eye health and medical history
- Corneal thickness
- The type and severity of your astigmatism
- Your overall health
- Stability of your vision prescription
- Existing eye conditions
People with autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe dry eyes may not be ideal candidates. Also, your doctor might recommend alternative treatment options if you have severe astigmatism.
What to Expect After LASIK Surgery
Most patients notice improvement in their vision within the first 24 to 48 hours. However, full results may take a few weeks. Here’s what the recovery generally looks like:
- Mild temporary discomfort, dryness, or sensitivity to light
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
- Avoid rubbing your eyes or getting water in them during the first week
- Use of prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing
Although you may still need reading glasses later in life due to age-related changes in the natural lens, many people achieve clearer vision without needing corrective lenses.
How Does Laser Eye Surgery Compare to Glasses or Contact Lenses?
How Does Laser Eye Surgery Compare to Glasses or Contact Lenses?While glasses or contact lenses work well for correcting astigmatism, they require ongoing maintenance, replacements, and potential discomfort—especially toric lenses, which are specifically designed for astigmatism.
In contrast, laser eye surgery offers a more convenient and lasting solution for many. It removes the daily hassle and allows for better peripheral vision, especially during activities like sports or swimming.
Are the Results Permanent?
Laser eye surgery usually provides a permanent solution for treating astigmatism. However, the eyes can naturally change over time. Other factors, such as aging or certain medical conditions, may affect your vision later in life, which is why regular check-ups with your eye doctor are still important.
Still, most patients maintain significant improvement in distant vision and overall eye health years after the procedure.
Risks and Considerations
While LASIK and other refractive surgery options have a low risk of complications, every surgical procedure carries some potential risks. These can include:
- Dry eyes
- Halos or glare around bright lights
- Undercorrection or overcorrection
- Infection (rare)
Choosing an experienced eye surgeon and following pre- and post-operative instructions can significantly reduce these risks.
FAQs About Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism
Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism permanently?
Yes, for many patients, laser surgery provides a long-lasting solution. However, natural changes in vision can still occur with age.
Is LASIK the only option for correcting astigmatism?
No. Depending on your condition, PRK, SMILE, and lens replacement surgeries can also be effective.
Does LASIK hurt?
No. The procedure uses numbing eye drops; most patients only feel mild pressure.
How long is the recovery time?
Initial recovery is quick — most people return to normal activities in a day or two. Complete healing takes a few weeks.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Side effects are rare but can include dry eyes and night glare. These often improve with time or treatment.
Final Thoughts: Is Laser Eye Surgery Right for You?
If you’ve been wondering, can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism? The answer is yes, and for many, it leads to clearer vision, less dependency on corrective lenses, and a better quality of life.
If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses and want a lasting way to correct astigmatism, laser eye surgery might be the ideal option. It has a very high success rate, especially when performed by a qualified and experienced eye surgeon. That said, it’s important to have a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose astigmatism properly and explore whether you’re a good candidate for laser refractive surgery.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/lasik-for-astigmatism
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
