Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?
If you have astigmatism and are tired of glasses or contact lenses, you may be wondering: Can laser eye surgery fix it?
The short answer: In many cases, yes.
At Blink Vision Clinic in Canberra, we help people reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts through laser procedures, including treatments for astigmatism. But not everyone is suitable.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common condition where the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is shaped more like a rugby ball than a soccer ball. This causes light to focus unevenly, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
It can occur on its own or with other vision problems like short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
Symptoms may include:
- Blurry vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Difficulty with night vision.
Can laser surgery correct astigmatism?
Yes, laser eye surgery can treat many types of astigmatism.
The laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting its uneven curvature. This helps light focus properly on the retina, leading to clearer vision.
We offer the following treatments at Blink Vision Clinic:
- LASIK – Effective for treating mild to moderate astigmatism.
- TransPRK (SmartSurface) – A surface treatment that can also correct astigmatism.
- PresbyMAX – Suitable for people over 45, including those with astigmatism and age-related near vision issues.
The choice depends on your prescription, corneal shape and thickness, age, and lifestyle.
What results can I expect?
Many people with astigmatism achieve improved unaided vision after laser surgery.
However, results can vary. Some people may still need glasses for certain tasks—especially for reading or low-light activities. That’s why we focus on personalised treatment planning and realistic expectations.
Am I suitable?
Not everyone with astigmatism is a candidate for laser surgery. You may not be suitable if:
- Your prescription is unstable
- Your astigmatism is too high
- Your corneas are too thin or irregular
- You have other eye conditions like keratoconus.
We’ll check all of this at your consultation.
What about high astigmatism?
In some cases, high levels of astigmatism may still be treatable but it depends on your eye’s shape and structure. In rare cases, other procedures such as toric lens implants may be a better option.
We'll guide you based on what's safest and most appropriate for your eyes.
What’s the process?
- Suitability check – Start with a free online self-test.
- Consultation – Full eye assessment and scans.
Personalised treatment plan – Based on your vision goals and clinical findings.
What should I do next?
The first step is simple. Take our free online self-test. It will help you find out if laser eye surgery might be worth exploring further.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
