Can laser eye surgery treat astigmatism?

You may have heard that laser eye surgery corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness—but can it fix astigmatism too? The short answer is: Yes, it can.

At Elite LASIK & Cataract in Indianapolis, we help many patients with astigmatism achieve clear, glasses-free vision using advanced laser procedures.

Let’s explore what astigmatism is, how laser eye surgery treats it, and what your options might be.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being round like a basketball, your eye might be shaped more like a football.

This uneven shape makes it harder for your eye to focus light evenly, which leads to:

• Blurry vision at all distances
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Trouble seeing clearly at night

It often occurs alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Can laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?

Yes—modern laser vision correction techniques can treat mild to moderate astigmatism effectively.

Here’s how:

• The laser reshapes the cornea to make it more evenly curved.
• This helps light focus properly on the retina.
• After surgery, many people no longer need glasses or contacts to correct their astigmatism.

Which laser procedures treat astigmatism?

✅ LASIK

LASIK is highly effective for treating astigmatism. It involves creating a flap in the cornea and using a laser to reshape the tissue underneath.

Most people see dramatic improvement the next day.

✅ SMILE

SMILE is also approved for mild to moderate astigmatism. It’s a flap-free, minimally invasive alternative to LASIK with fast recovery and less dryness.

✅ PRK

PRK is a great option if you have thin corneas or lead an active lifestyle. It takes a bit longer to recover, but it works just as well for correcting astigmatism.

How do I know if I’m a candidate?

To qualify for laser surgery for astigmatism, you should:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a stable prescription for 12+ months
• Have healthy corneas and eyes overall
• Not be pregnant or nursing.

The only way to know for sure is to come in for a full evaluation—or start with our online self-test.

What if my astigmatism is too high?

If your astigmatism is very severe or your corneas are too thin, you might not qualify for LASIK, SMILE, or PRK. But don’t worry—there are still options.

We may recommend:

• Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL)
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
• Or other personalized solutions

Is the correction permanent?

Yes, laser surgery offers permanent correction of astigmatism. That said, your eyes will still age naturally over time. You may eventually need reading glasses or other vision support later in life—but your astigmatism correction will hold.

Conclusion

Astigmatism doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of glasses or contacts. With the right laser procedure, you can enjoy sharp, stable vision—and a glasses-free life.

Ready to see if laser eye surgery can correct your astigmatism?

Take our suitability self-test to find out in less than a minute.