Is LASIK the Solution for Astigmatism? What To Know

Astigmatism is a common eye condition where the cornea (outermost eye layer) is irregular. The cornea is usually round like a sphere, but people with astigmatism have oval-shaped corneas. This shape changes how light rays enter the eye, leading to blurred vision. Many people with astigmatism have nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). 

LASIK, a laser eye surgery that corrects common vision problems by reshaping the cornea, may help treat people with mild to moderate astigmatism. However, it may not be right for everyone.

LASIK is a type of surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea to improve how light enters the retina. The retina is the back layer of the eye that allows you to see. LASIK may help people with mild to moderate astigmatism by changing the cornea from an oval shape to a more rounded one.

You may not be able to or shouldn’t have LASIK for astigmatism if you:

• Have severe astigmatism
• Have chronic (long-term) health conditions like diabetes
• Have autoimmune conditions
• Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Take certain medications like Accutane (isotretinoin), Cordarone (amiodarone), Imitrex (sumatriptan), or Deltasone (prednisone)

LASIK is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home after the surgery. An ophthalmologist, a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating eye conditions, will perform the surgery. Each eye should take about 10-15 minutes. You’ll be awake, but it should be painless. Your provider will give you anesthetic (pain relief) eye drops and medicine to help you feel more relaxed.

During LASIK, the ophthalmologist will:

1. Use a laser to create a flap in your cornea
2. Use a second laser to change the cornea’s shape, thickness, and curvature
3. Close the corneal flap. The flap won’t need stitches since the cornea will naturally hold the flap closed

Consider speaking with an ophthalmologist to see if you’re a good candidate for LASIK. It may be an effective treatment option if you: 

• Are 21 or older
• Have good overall eye health 
• Have an unchanged eye prescription for at least one year 
• Have mild to moderate astigmatism

If you have severe astigmatism, your healthcare provider won’t recommend LASIK because it may require more surgery to correct your vision, which can cause long-term complications. Ask your provider for alternative treatment recommendations if LASIK is not a good fit for you.

Recovery from LASIK surgery will likely look different for everyone and depend on several factors. Most people will be able to go home after surgery. Arrange a ride ahead of time because your vision will be temporarily blurry, and you won’t be able to drive.

After LASIK surgery, you may expect the following symptoms or changes:

• Fatigue: You will likely feel tired after your surgery, so rest as much as possible. This will help your eyes heal. 
• Discomfort: It’s common to feel eye discomfort, pain, or dryness after. Your healthcare provider will likely give you prescription eye drops to keep your eyes moisturized and to reduce the risk of infection. 
• Vision changes: You may have blurred vision or glare for three to six months after LASIK. These symptoms usually resolve on their own.
• Avoid activity: Avoid exercise after LASIK and check with your provider before returning to your normal activity levels. Avoid swimming or submerging your eyes in water. 
• No driving: Avoid driving until your provider tells you it’s safe. 
• Follow-up appointments: Ask your provider when you will have a follow-up appointment after surgery. Your provider will likely recommend returning the day after the procedure and then again a few weeks later. 

There are potential complications of LASIK surgery. These are rare and usually temporary. 

Possible side effects of LASIK include:

There are several treatment options for astigmatism. Your healthcare provider will recommend specific treatments based on your eye health and prescription. Astigmatism can change over time, so your treatment options may change as well. 

Most people with astigmatism need to wear glasses or contact lenses. If you would like to pursue vision correction, your provider may recommend surgery such as LASIK. 

In addition to LASIK, surgical options for astigmatism include:

• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery: Like LASIK, PRK is a refractive surgery that uses a laser to correct the shape of the cornea. However, it doesn’t require cutting a flap in the cornea like LASIK.   
• Implantable collamer lens (ICL): An ICL is an artificial lens that an eye surgeon implants permanently between the eye’s natural lens and the iris (the front of the eye that contains the pupil) to correct vision. 
• Cataract surgery: For people with cataracts and astigmatism, cataract surgery can correct both conditions with one procedure. Cataracts are a condition that causes the eye’s natural lens to become foggy, leading to blurry vision.

Astigmatism is a common condition in which the cornea is oval or egg-shaped. This changes the way light enters the eye and causes blurry vision. LASIK, a surgery that corrects the cornea’s shape and improves vision, may be a good option for people with mild to moderate astigmatism.

Possible side effects of LASIK are often temporary and heal on their own. Side effects can include eye discomfort, dryness, and blurred vision.