Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?

Most people are aware of long-sightedness and short-sightedness. But not everyone knows about astigmatism. Approximately 1.4 million¹https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/eye-health/eye-health/contents/new Australians struggle with this vision defect. It may also be present alongside shortsightedness, but not always.

What causes this condition? What are the symptoms? Can laser eye surgery effectively treat astigmatism? Let’s explore these questions.

What is astigmatism?

The ideal eye should be round. Unfortunately, most of us do not have perfect eyes. In reality, most people have an eye with astigmatism to some degree or another.

Astigmatism occurs when the curvature of the cornea is uneven, causing light to bend at different angles instead of focusing on a single point²https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/50-how-the-eye-focuses-light. This results in blurred vision at all distances, as well as symptoms like headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing at night. People with astigmatism may also notice halos around lights, especially in low-light environments.

Astigmatism is a common condition. Most individuals are born with it, but it can also develop due to eye conditions, previous surgical procedures, or injury.

How do you know if you have astigmatism?

Astigmatism is usually diagnosed during a routine eye test. It can show up at any age. Many people don’t even realise they have it. They might think they’re just tired or need a new glasses prescription.

If you experience constant blurry vision, tired eyes, or trouble seeing clearly at night, it’s worth getting checked. An optometrist can confirm whether astigmatism is part of the problem.

Can laser eye surgery fix it?

Yes. Laser eye surgery, including LASIK eye surgery, can correct refractive errors like astigmatism. It works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. By carefully removing microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, the procedure helps eliminate blurred vision problems and improve clarity.

Numbing eye drops are used before the treatment begins, so you won’t feel discomfort. The procedure itself usually takes less than 10 minutes per eye.

Even if you don’t have nearsightedness or farsightedness, you can still undergo laser vision correction solely to treat astigmatism.

Are there other options besides LASIK?

If you’re not suitable for LASIK, other procedures like TransPRK (also known as SmartSurface) or SmartSight (a no-flap lenticule extraction technique) can be used. These are excellent options for people with dry eyes, thinner corneas, or active lifestyles.

What kind of results can you expect?

Most people notice a big improvement in their vision within 24–48 hours. Healing continues over the next few weeks. Many no longer need glasses or contacts at all.

If you have astigmatism and cataracts, we can often correct both with a lens implant, in one procedure.

Is laser eye surgery for astigmatism safe?

Millions of people have undergone the procedure with few complications and excellent results.³All About Vision. 2021. LASIK Risks and Complications. As technology improves, side effects are becoming even less common. Results are effective and long term, although not everyone sees 20/20 after the procedure.

Interested in laser eye surgery for astigmatism?

Laser eye surgery for astigmatism is a safe, effective procedure.⁴Articles, M., astigmatism, H., Almousa, M. and Doctors, T., 2021. Laser eye surgery for astigmatism | Top Doctors.With the right technology and careful screening, side effects are rare. That said, choosing an experienced eye care provider is essential.

At VSON in Brisbane, our highly trained professionals will assess your eyes, discuss your options, and recommend the most suitable treatment for your vision needs.

Book an appointment to get started!