Can LASIK Correct Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects how light enters the eye, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances. If you have astigmatism, you may have wondered whether LASIK can correct it. The good news? Yes, LASIK can effectively treat astigmatism, in many cases, providing improved vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses.

However, if you have been diagnosed with cataracts or another eye condition along with astigmatism, LASIK may not be the right solution. Instead, procedures like cataract surgery with astigmatism-correcting lenses may be recommended. Our team at Kovach Eye Institute can help determine the best treatment for your unique needs.

Let’s take a closer look at how LASIK corrects astigmatism, who makes a good candidate for the procedure, and what to expect from treatment.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round, the cornea may be slightly oval or football-shaped, causing light to bend unevenly. This results in blurred or distorted vision at any distance.

Some common signs of astigmatism include:

• Blurry or wavy vision
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night
• Eye strain, headaches, or squinting
• Needing to frequently adjust your glasses or contacts

Many people with astigmatism also have nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), making LASIK an attractive option for x Trusted Source What is Astigmatism? American Academy of Ophthalmology Go to Source achieving better vision.

How LASIK Corrects Astigmatism

LASIK reshapes the cornea using a precise laser, smoothing out any irregularities that cause astigmatism. By adjusting the curvature of the cornea, light is properly focused onto the retina, resulting in noticeably improved vision

LASIK is particularly effective for mild to moderate astigmatism, with many patients achieving 20/20 vision or better x Trusted Source Modern laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes Sandoval HP, Donnenfeld ED, Kohnen T, Lindstrom RL, Potvin R, Tremblay DM, Solomon KD Go to Source after the procedure. The treatment is fast, virtually painless, and requires minimal downtime.

For those who have previously had LASIK but are now experiencing vision changes due to cataracts, it’s important to know that a second LASIK procedure is not typically performed. Instead, cataract surgery with specialized intraocular lenses (IOLs) that correct astigmatism may be a better option.

Advanced LASIK Technology

At Kovach Eye Institute, we use leading-edge technology to provide highly precise and personalized LASIK treatments. Our advanced systems allow us to tailor procedures to each patient’s unique eye structure, enhancing outcomes for those with astigmatism.

The iDESIGN Refractive Suite

The iDESIGN Refractive Suite is an advanced system that customizes LASIK by capturing detailed measurements of the eye’s unique characteristics.

This technology enhances LASIK by:

• Wavefront analysis – Measures how light travels through the eye, detecting even the smallest imperfections.
• Corneal topography mapping – Scans the shape and curvature of the cornea to assess irregularities.
• Customized treatment planning – Uses detailed imaging to design a LASIK procedure tailored to each eye.

Because no two eyes are exactly alike, the iDESIGN Refractive Suite helps provide a more individualized approach to vision correction, making it a valuable tool for treating astigmatism.

SMILE LASIK: An Alternative for Astigmatism

For some patients with astigmatism, SMILE LASIK (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) may be another vision correction option. Unlike traditional LASIK, which reshapes the cornea using a flap, SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a small, lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue through a tiny incision.

Potential benefits of SMILE LASIK include:

• A flapless procedure, reducing the risk of flap-related complications
• A minimally invasive approach with a single laser treatment
• A shorter recovery time with minimal disruption to daily life

SMILE is primarily used for patients with mild to moderate myopia with astigmatism, and while it may not be suitable for everyone, it provides an alternative for those who may not be ideal candidates for traditional LASIK.

During your consultation at Kovach Eye Institute, we will evaluate your eye health, prescription, and lifestyle to determine the best vision correction option for you.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK with Astigmatism?

LASIK is a great option for many people with astigmatism, but certain factors determine whether it’s the right choice for you. Ideal LASIK candidates:

• Have mild to moderate astigmatism
• Have a stable prescription for at least one year
• Have healthy corneas with sufficient thickness
• Are at least 18 years old
• Are in good overall eye health

It’s important to note that if you are over a certain age or have been diagnosed with other vision conditions—such as cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye—LASIK may not be the most suitable option. Instead, a comprehensive medical eye exam at Kovach Eye Institute can help determine whether an alternative treatment, such as cataract surgery with astigmatism-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs), might provide better results.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Vision

If astigmatism has been holding you back from seeing the world as it should be, LASIK may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Kovach Eye Institute, we combine advanced technology with expert surgical care to provide highly customized vision correction for our patients throughout Chicagoland.

If you have previously had LASIK and are now experiencing vision changes due to cataracts or other conditions, our experienced team can guide you toward the most effective treatment option.

Schedule a consultation today to find out if LASIK can help you achieve less dependence on glasses and contacts.