21 Oct Can You Get LASIK If You Have Astigmatism?
If you have astigmatism, you may have heard that it rules you out for LASIK. For many people, that is not the case. LASIK can often correct astigmatism along with nearsightedness or farsightedness, and lasers approved by the FDA are designed to treat astigmatism within certain ranges. Whether LASIK is right for you depends on the type and amount of astigmatism you have, the health and thickness of your cornea, and other individual factors.
Total Eye Care offers LASIK consultations and surgical referrals. We do not perform LASIK surgery in our office. Our role is to evaluate your eyes, help you understand whether LASIK may be a reasonable option, and refer you to a qualified surgeon if it is.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism happens when the cornea, or sometimes the lens inside the eye, has an uneven curve. Instead of being shaped evenly like a basketball, the surface is shaped more like a football. Light focuses unevenly as a result, which can cause blurry or distorted vision at any distance, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing clearly at night. Astigmatism is very common, and many people have it alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness.
How LASIK Addresses Astigmatism
LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea. For astigmatism, the goal is to make the corneal curve more even so light can focus more accurately. Surgeons plan the treatment using detailed measurements and maps of the cornea, which helps them understand the shape of your eye before any decision is made.
Regular vs. Irregular Astigmatism
This distinction matters a great deal. Regular astigmatism has a predictable, symmetrical pattern and is often treatable with LASIK. Irregular astigmatism has an uneven pattern and may be linked to conditions such as keratoconus, where the cornea gradually thins and bulges, or to corneal scarring. LASIK is generally not recommended for people with keratoconus because it can further weaken the cornea. Careful corneal mapping during your consultation helps identify these differences.
Other Factors That Affect Candidacy
Beyond astigmatism itself, your eye doctor will look at several factors:
- Prescription stability. Your prescription should be stable, usually for at least a year.
- Corneal thickness. Enough corneal tissue is needed for the cornea to be reshaped safely.
- Age. FDA approved lasers are generally approved for adults 18 and older, and many surgeons prefer to wait until a prescription has settled.
- Eye surface health. Dry eye may need to be treated before LASIK is considered.
- Overall health. Pregnancy, certain autoimmune conditions, and some medications can affect recovery after surgery and whether LASIK is a suitable option.
Options If LASIK Is Not the Right Fit
If LASIK is not recommended, you still have choices. PRK reshapes the cornea without creating a flap and may be an option for some people with thinner corneas. Implantable lenses may be considered for certain prescriptions. Toric soft contact lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism, and rigid or scleral lenses may help people with irregular corneas. Our team offers contact lens fittings that can include these options when appropriate, and glasses remain a dependable choice for many people.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Many people with astigmatism experience less dependence on glasses or contacts after LASIK, but results vary. Some may have a small amount of remaining astigmatism, need glasses for certain tasks such as night driving, or be recommended for an enhancement. Side effects such as dry eye, glare, and halos are possible and are often temporary, though they can persist for some people. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit to how much astigmatism LASIK can correct?
Yes. Each laser has an approved treatment range, and corneal thickness and shape also set limits. Your consultation measurements help determine whether your astigmatism falls within a treatable range.
Can astigmatism return after LASIK?
The corneal reshaping is intended to be lasting, but eyes can still change over time with age or other factors. Some people notice gradual vision changes years later.
Can I have LASIK if I have both astigmatism and nearsightedness?
Often, yes. LASIK can address both in the same treatment when you are a suitable candidate.
Does Total Eye Care perform LASIK?
No. Total Eye Care provides LASIK consultations and surgical referrals. If LASIK appears to be an option for you, we can refer you to a qualified surgeon.
Schedule Your LASIK Consultation at Total Eye Care in Billings
Wondering whether your astigmatism can be treated with LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation online or call (406) 656‑2898. If LASIK is not the best option for your eyes, we can walk you through contact lenses, glasses, and other vision correction choices.
Sources
Astigmatism (National Eye Institute), What Is Astigmatism? (American Academy of Ophthalmology), What Is Keratoconus? (American Academy of Ophthalmology), LASIK (US Food and Drug Administration), LASIK: Laser Eye Surgery (American Academy of Ophthalmology)