Does LASIK Fix Astigmatism?

Are you wondering if LASIK can work for astigmatism? If you are, the answer is yes—if your condition falls within certain limits and is the right type. With modern technological advances, it is possible to treat patients with high levels of astigmatism. 

What Is Astigmatism?

Think of your eye as being the shape of a small basketball. However, with astigmatism, your eye is more oval-shaped. It looks like an egg or a football lying on its side.

Your lens and cornea should be curved and smooth in all directions. That helps light rays focus onto the retina properly. You may have a refractive error known as corneal astigmatism when they fail to do so. 

What Is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery aims to treat the cornea, especially corneal astigmatism. It is a type of laser procedure meant to change the shape of the cornea. That is the front part of the eye. It can help fix various eye problems resulting from astigmatism, including distorted or blurry vision. 

You can expect better vision without getting prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses with this type of surgery.

Can LASIK Fix Astigmatism?

In most cases, LASIK surgery can correct astigmatism and can be permanent. Despite being a somewhat scary-sounding term, astigmatism is a refractive error. It is just like myopia or farsightedness. That means eyeglasses, contact lenses, or LASIK surgery can correct it.

LASIK Basics

The eye procedure involves using a laser to reshape the patient's cornea to correct the refractive error. It is possible to correct mild and moderate astigmatism through LASIK surgery. It does not require an extended hospital stay, and the procedure should last for about 30 minutes.

How Effective Is LASIK Surgery for Astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism, you are probably wondering about the effectiveness of LASIK surgery. You need to understand that LASIK is quite effective in treating astigmatism—if you undergo a procedure that falls within your treatment limits. Modern technological advances make it possible to treat this eye condition even in patients with high levels of astigmatism. 

Bottom Line

For more on LASIK and astigmatism, call Santa Barbara Eyecare in Santa Barbara, California at (805) 967-9990 or (805) 451-8180 to discuss any questions or schedule a LASIK consultation.