Can I have laser eye surgery if I have astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism and want to be free from glasses and contact lenses, I have some good news for you. Refractive surgery, a type of laser eye procedure, can treat astigmatism and correct other common vision problems like short-sightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hyperopia) that cause blurry vision.

Understanding astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens is shaped more like a rugby ball than a round ball. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurry vision and eye strain.

• Common symptoms of astigmatism include:
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Headaches
• Eyestrain
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night
• Trouble seeing at all distances

Many people are surprised to find out they have astigmatism during a routine eye test. Fortunately, it’s a condition we can treat effectively with laser vision correction.

Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?

When people say, “I have too much astigmatism to do laser eye surgery,” 99.9% of the time, they are wrong. We can typically treat up to four units of astigmatism with a laser vision correction procedure like LASIK. In some cases, newer lasers can even correct up to five units. Your eye surgeon will assess your individual case to determine what’s possible based on your unique eye measurements and the degree of astigmatism present.

If you’ve got more than five units of astigmatism, you’re quite unique. It’s incredibly rare, but we have excellent laser eye surgery alternatives that can help. In cases where laser eye surgery may not be the best option due to high astigmatism or irregular corneas, lens-based procedures or other surgical solutions may be considered.

Our goal is to reduce your need for glasses and contact lenses in a safe and effective way. Every treatment plan is designed around your eye health, vision goals, and lifestyle.

What does laser eye surgery involve?

Laser eye surgery reshapes the corneal tissue- the clear, dome-shaped front layer of the eye that helps focus light. During the procedure:

1. We apply numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable.
2. In LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea. In PRK, the surface layer is gently removed.
3. A laser is used to reshape the cornea based on your individual prescription.

This use of a laser to reshape the cornea allows light to focus more precisely on the retina, improving vision at all distances and reducing or eliminating your need for glasses.

LASIK or PRK?

At VSON, we offer both LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). LASIK has a shorter recovery time and is often preferred by those who qualify. PRK is a great alternative if you have thin corneas, dry eyes, or are in a career where flap safety is a concern (e.g., military or contact sports).

Both procedures can treat astigmatism and deliver long-term improvements in visual clarity. Your suitability depends on your overall eye health, the degree of astigmatism, and other personal factors like your lifestyle.

What about SMILE?

Another excellent option is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) also known as SmartSight. This procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve creating a flap, which may make it preferable for some patients. SmartSight can treat myopia and astigmatism in selected patients and has a fast recovery time. It’s also associated with fewer issues like dry eyes in recovery compared to LASIK.

SMILE/SmartSight uses a femtosecond laser to create a small disc of tissue (called a lenticule) inside the cornea. That lenticule is then removed through a tiny incision. This reshapes the cornea and improves how light is focused onto the retina. It’s another option we’ll consider depending on your degree of astigmatism and overall eye anatomy.

Who will perform the procedure?

At VSON, your care is led by an experienced eye surgeon who will personally assess your vision, review your test results, and discuss the best options for your eyes. They’ll help you understand each procedure, its benefits and limitations, and what to expect from the results. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision.

We will thoroughly examine the health of your eyes

Before recommending any procedure, your eye surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment to make sure your eyes are healthy and suitable for surgery.

If you have dry eyes, this may impact your ability to undergo refractive surgery. We take this into account to ensure you get the best possible outcome and avoid complications. Measurements like corneal thickness, shape, and the degree of astigmatism will help guide the most appropriate procedure.

We use advanced diagnostic tools to map the surface of your eyes and measure how light is focused. This helps us decide whether LASIK, PRK, SmartSight, or another solution is best suited for you.

Your eye surgeon will walk you through each option and explain the benefits and risks in simple terms. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your goals, whether that’s freedom from glasses for sport, work, or everyday convenience.

To learn more and to find out which vision correction option is right for you, please book online for a free laser vision assessment on our website today.