Astigmatism Treatment

There are a number of options for patients seeking effective astigmatism treatment, from time-tested eyeglasses to the latest in laser technology. Choosing the right treatment for you will depend on a number of factors, including your lifestyle, medical history, and degree of refractive error.

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Before the advent of refractive surgery, eyeglasses and contact lenses were the only way to correct astigmatism, and many people still prefer them. Eyeglasses are a reliable astigmatism treatment that comfortably correct for the cornea’s irregular curve. Contact lenses are another option and can vary greatly in type. Hard, soft, extended wear, disposable, rigid gas permeable, and bifocal contact lenses are all appropriate choices for astigmatism treatment.

LASIK

LASIK, which stands for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,” is an astigmatism treatment that uses a cold-beam excimer laser to reshape the cornea so it can properly focus images on the retina. The LASIK procedure involves cutting a small flap in the cornea and moving it out of the way before reshaping the underlying tissue. The cornea heals quickly, and many patients notice a significant improvement in vision within the first day of recovery. Because of its short recovery time and convenience (it is an outpatient procedure, and usually takes only 10-15 minutes), LASIK is the most frequently performed of all refractive surgeries.

Another innovation in astigmatism treatment is custom LASIK surgery, or Wavefront™ LASIK, which takes three-dimensional measurements of how your eyes process images and uses them to guide the laser during surgery. This method is much more precise than traditional LASIK and makes for a more accurate astigmatism treatment than glasses or contacts.

PRK

PRK, which stands for “Photorefractive Keratectomy,” was the first form of refractive surgery available in the United States and is still a preferred astigmatism treatment for patients with large pupils or very thin corneas. The PRK process involves removing the epithelium (outer layer of the cornea) and using a cool ultraviolet light to reshape the surface of the cornea. This method is less invasive than LASIK because it does not actually reshape the cornea’s interior. It does require a longer recovery time, however, but for those willing to make the commitment, PRK is an excellent and time-tested astigmatism treatment.

LASEK

Although the term LASEK sounds a lot like "LASIK," the procedure is actually more similar to PRK. This form of astigmatism treatment is appropriate for patients whose corneas are too thin or too flat for traditional refractive surgery. In LASEK, the epithelium, or outer layer of the cornea, is cut using a tiny blade called a trephine. An alcohol solution is then applied to loosen the epithelial cells. The epithelial flap remains pulled back during surgery until the cornea has been reshaped. Unlike in PRK, the corneal flap is never fully removed. Your doctor may recommend LASEK as an alternative astigmatism treatment to LASIK if your corneas are very thin or if you have dry eyes.

Epi-LASIK

Epi-LASIK is a form of astigmatism treatment that combines the advantages of LASIK and LASEK. Epi-LASIK differs from these two treatments, though, in a number of ways. First, the surgeon uses a blunt, plastic blade, called an epithelial separator, to pull back the corneal flap. This eliminates the need for alcohol, which is used in LASEK to loosen the epithelium. After the corneal tissue has been reshaped, the flap is placed back onto the surface of the eye. Along with LASEK and PRK, Epi-LASIK is an appropriate astigmatism treatment for patients whose corneas are very thin.

Implantable Lenses

Unlike LASIK or other refractive surgeries that reshape the cornea, a lensectomy is an astigmatism treatment that actually replaces the eye’s natural lens. Often, a person’s lens is either too strong or too weak for proper vision and can be replaced with an artificial one. With traditional lens implants, patients normally achieve good distance vision but need glasses for reading and seeing up close. New implantable contact lenses, however, allow patients to see clearly at all distances.

Talk to a Specialist in Your Area to Discuss Your Treatment Options

To discuss which type of astigmatism treatment may be right for you, speak with your family doctor. It is also a good idea to speak with a qualified ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon, as he or she can give you detailed information on the many treatment options available. For a selection of ophthalmologists in your area, consult our eye care specialist directory; for doctors specializing in refractive surgery, see our LASIK specialists page.