Can You Get Laser Eye Surgery if You Have Severe Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision issue that affects how light is focused on the retina. For those with severe astigmatism, traditional glasses and contact lenses may not always provide the best vision correction. Many people wonder whether laser eye surgery can correct severe astigmatism and what the best treatment options are.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an incorrectly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being perfectly round, the cornea may have an oblong or football-like shape, leading to blurred or distorted vision. This irregular shape affects how light enters the eye, preventing it from achieving the right angle to focus on the retina.

• Symptoms of astigmatism include:
• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Eye strain or discomfort
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing at night

Astigmatism can occur with other refractive errors and ranges from minor to severe, and the severity influences which treatment options are most effective.

Can You Get Laser Eye Surgery if You Have Severe Astigmatism?

Laser eye surgery can often correct astigmatism, including severe cases. However, the effectiveness depends on the severity of the condition and the thickness of the cornea. Traditional laser eye surgeries can be effective for many levels of astigmatism. 

For those with severe astigmatism, laser eye surgery may still be an option, but additional considerations may apply:

Corneal Thickness: A thicker cornea is needed for LASIK, as the procedure removes tissue to reshape the cornea.

Higher Degree of Correction: Advanced laser technology can treat more severe astigmatism, but extremely high prescriptions may require alternative approaches.

EVO ICL™ as a Solution: If laser eye surgery alone is not suitable, the EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens) can be an excellent alternative. This lens is implanted inside the eye to correct vision without removing corneal tissue.

Best Treatment Options for Severe Astigmatism

LASIK, SMILE and PRK

For many individuals with severe astigmatism, LASIK, SMILE, or PRK can provide excellent vision correction. They each have advantages and disadvantages, making them more suitable for different people and degrees of astigmatism. 

EVO ICL™ for Severe Astigmatism

EVO ICL™ is a great option for those with severe astigmatism, especially if they are not ideal candidates for LASIK or PRK. This procedure involves implanting a biocompatible lens inside the eye to provide sharp, clear vision. Unlike laser procedures, EVO ICL™ does not involve removing corneal tissue, making it a viable choice for individuals with thin or abnormal corneas or high prescriptions.

Combining Treatments for Optimal Results

In some cases, a combination of procedures may provide the best results. For example, EVO ICL™ can correct most prescriptions, and laser enhancement can fine-tune any remaining astigmatism. This combination approach allows for customized vision correction tailored to individual needs.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about treating severe astigmatism, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (866) 458-1545. We look forward to helping you!