How to Treat Severe Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision problem that can cause blurred or distorted sight. While mild cases may be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, severe astigmatism often requires advanced treatments to achieve clear vision.

What is Astigmatism and What Causes It?

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. Instead of being perfectly round, the cornea may have a more oval shape, leading to blurry or distorted vision at all distances. This condition can be present from birth or develop over time due to eye injuries, surgery, or diseases like keratoconus.

How to Treat Severe Astigmatism

For those with severe astigmatism, surgical treatments offer effective and lasting correction:

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): This popular procedure reshapes the cornea using a laser, correcting astigmatism along with nearsightedness or farsightedness. LASIK provides rapid results and a short recovery time.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive procedure, SMILE removes a small piece of corneal tissue to reshape the eye. It is an excellent option for those with moderate to severe astigmatism and offers a quick recovery.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the laser reshapes the cornea’s surface. This method is suitable for those with thin corneas or high astigmatism but has a longer recovery time than LASIK.

EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer Lens): This option is ideal for patients with severe astigmatism who may not qualify for laser procedures. The EVO ICL™ is a biocompatible lens implanted in the eye to correct vision without altering the cornea. It is reversible and provides excellent night vision benefits.

Will I Have 20/20 Vision After Astigmatism Treatment?

Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after undergoing astigmatism correction. However, results can vary depending on factors such as the severity of astigmatism, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. Some individuals may still require minor vision correction with glasses or contact lenses for optimal results.

Am I a Good Candidate for Severe Astigmatism Treatment?

Candidates for astigmatism correction should meet specific criteria, including:

• A stable prescription for at least one year
• Sufficient corneal thickness (for LASIK and PRK)
• No active eye diseases or infections
• Good overall eye health
• Realistic expectations about outcomes

Patients who are not eligible for laser vision correction due to thin corneas or extreme prescriptions may benefit from EVO ICL™. A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to determine the most suitable treatment option.

Severe astigmatism no longer means living with constant visual distortion. With modern vision correction procedures, you can achieve clear, lasting vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contacts. A consultation with an experienced eye surgeon will help determine the best solution for your specific needs

Take the Next Step

To learn more about refractive surgery, 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!