Can you get LASIK if you have astigmatism?

If you’ve been told you have astigmatism, you might be wondering if that rules you out of getting LASIK. Good news: it doesn’t. In fact, LASIK is a safe and effective way to treat most types of astigmatism.

At Elite LASIK & Cataract, we’ve helped thousands of people, including those with astigmatism, see clearly without glasses or contacts. If you're tired of blurry vision or awkward lenses, LASIK might be the life-changing option you’ve been looking for.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism happens when the front of your eye (the cornea) is not perfectly round. Instead of being shaped like a basketball, it’s more like a football. This irregular curve bends light unevenly, causing blurry or distorted vision at all distances.

Astigmatism is very common. Many people have it to some degree, and it often comes along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Can LASIK correct astigmatism?

Yes. LASIK can reshape the cornea to make it more symmetrical, allowing light to focus properly on the retina.

Thanks to modern lasers and advanced mapping tools, we can treat even moderate to high levels of astigmatism with great accuracy.

How LASIK works for astigmatism

Here’s how it works:

1. We scan your eye with detailed imaging tools to create a custom 3D map of your cornea.
2. The laser is programmed to remove microscopic layers from the steepest parts of the cornea.
3. The result is a more even curve and sharper vision, often 20/20 or better.

It takes just a few minutes per eye, and you’re back home the same day.

Who is a good candidate?

You may be a good candidate for LASIK if:

• You’re 18 or older
• Your prescription has been stable for at least a year
• Your corneas are healthy and thick enough for treatment
• You have no active eye disease or infection.

If your astigmatism is extremely high, or if your corneas are too thin, we may recommend another laser procedure like PRK. The goal is always the safest and most effective option for you.

What results can you expect?

Most people with astigmatism notice a major improvement within 24–48 hours of LASIK. Your vision continues to get sharper over the following weeks.

Many of our patients say they see better after LASIK than they ever did with glasses or contacts.

Will my astigmatism come back?

Once corrected with LASIK, astigmatism usually does not return. However, vision can change with age. In your 40s or 50s, you may start to notice new changes in your near vision (a condition called presbyopia). This is normal and unrelated to your original astigmatism.

What if I've been told I'm not a candidate?

Technology has come a long way. If you were told years ago that LASIK wouldn’t work for your astigmatism, you might be surprised to learn that things have changed.

At Elite LASIK & Cataract, we use advanced diagnostics and customized treatments that weren’t available a decade ago. It’s worth taking another look.

Take the first step

Want to know if LASIK can fix your astigmatism?
Start with our free self-test. It’s quick, easy, and gives you an instant idea of your suitability for treatment.