Can Laser Eye Surgery Fix Astigmatism?

Laser eye surgery offers a safe, effective and long-lasting solution for correcting astigmatism, a common condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. At Optegra, our expert surgeons perform thousands of laser vision correction procedures every year, using cutting-edge technology to deliver life-changing results.

This guide will explain what causes astigmatism, how laser eye surgery works to correct it, and what results you can expect.

What Is Astigmatism and What Causes It?

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. In an eye without astigmatism the cornea is round like a basketball, allowing light to focus clearly onto the retina. With astigmatism, the cornea or eye lens takes on a more oval or rugby ball shape, causing light to scatter and leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances.

Astigmatism is extremely common and often coexists with other refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness). The most common causes include:

• Genetics: Often inherited and present from birth
• Eye injury or trauma can change the shape of the cornea
• Keratoconus: A progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea
• Excessive eye rubbing: Can affect corneal shape over time
• Corneal diseases: Such as pellucid marginal degeneration or keratoglobus

Astigmatism can range from mild to severe. For those who wish to reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses and have astigmatism, laser eye surgery offers a reliable option.

How To Know If You Have Astigmatism

Almost 70% Individuals with astigmatism may experience a range of symptoms related to distorted or blurred vision. Common symptoms of astigmatism include:

• Blurred Vision: Objects at any distance may appear blurry or distorted.
• Eyestrain: Prolonged focusing on tasks, especially those that require clear vision, may lead to eyestrain.
• Headaches: Persistent headaches, particularly after activities that require visual concentration, can be a symptom of astigmatism.
• Distorted or Wavy Vision: Straight lines or edges may appear slanted; you may confuse the number eight with six, for example. If you experience a sudden onset of wavy lines, it is important to get this checked by an eye care professional as soon as possible as this may be caused by another eye condition.
• Difficulty Seeing at Night: Astigmatism can contribute to difficulty seeing clearly in low-light conditions.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity, and individuals may not necessarily experience all of them. If you suspect you have astigmatism or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to schedule an eye examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye assessment.

Can Laser Eye Surgery Correct Astigmatism?

Laser eye surgery is one of the most effective treatments for correcting astigmatism. Procedures such as LASIK, LASEK and SMILE reshape the cornea to correct its irregular curvature, allowing light to focus properly on the retina.

At Optegra, we offer all three techniques and customise each procedure to suit your eye shape and prescription. Laser eye surgery for astigmatism is known for:

• High success rates: Most patients enjoy dramatically improved vision
• Fast recovery: Many return to normal activities within 24–48 hours
• Long-term results: Corneal reshaping has long lasting results with very few patients prescriptions changing over time
• Reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses

How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work for Astigmatism?

The key to treating astigmatism lies in reshaping the cornea. Here’s how our advanced procedures work:

1. Pre-operative assessment: We conduct detailed scans to map your cornea and determine the degree and axis of your astigmatism.
2. Corneal reshaping
   1. In LASIK and SMILE, a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap or lenticule, which is then adjusted using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.
   2. In LASEK, the surface layer of the cornea is gently moved aside before laser reshaping.
3. Customised treatment: We use advanced wavefront-guided technology to tailor your treatment, maximising clarity and precision.
4. Post-op healing: Your cornea naturally heals and stabilises. Most patients notice improvement within days; full recovery can take a few weeks.

Does Astigmatism Come Back After Laser Eye Surgery?

In most cases, no. Laser surgery reshapes the cornea permanently to correct astigmatism. However, your eyes can still change over time due to age-related or environmental factors.

While the original correction remains stable, conditions like presbyopia (ageing of the eye’s lens), cataracts or other eye changes may eventually affect your vision again. Enhancements or further treatment can address these changes if needed.

Regular eye check-ups ensure your long-term visual health remains on track. Not sure if it’s time to get an eye test? Our guide breaks down the signs to look out for.

Can Astigmatism Get Worse After LASIK?

Laser eye surgery typically improves astigmatism permanently. However, vision can still change with age – this isn’t due to the astigmatism returning, but rather age-related changes in the eye. In rare cases, minor residual astigmatism may persist and could be treated with an enhancement.

Why Choose Optegra for Astigmatism Treatment?

We are a network of dedicated specialist eye hospitals trusted by the NHS and private patients alike. All treatments are consultant-led and carried out using the latest technology in laser vision correction.

With over 1.3 million procedures completed, we’ve helped thousands of patients with astigmatism achieve clearer vision. Book a free consultation or arrange a callback to find out if you’re eligible and get expert advice tailored to your eyes.