Do things look wavy and blurry? This could be a sign of astigmatism.

Learn how Laser Eye Surgery can fix astigmatism.

As foreign as it sounds, astigmatism is a relatively common and treatable vision condition, affecting up to 1.4 million Australians. Astigmatism often occurs with other vision conditions like myopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness).

What causes astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused when the front surface of the eye (cornea), or less commonly, the lens inside your eye, is irregularly shaped. When the eye has an irregular curvature, this causes light that enters your eye to refract in different directions at multiple focal points rather than at one singular focal point. Because of these multiple focal points, this causes blurred vision at both near and far distances.

Can laser surgery fix astigmatism?

Yes. Laser eye surgery is a highly effective means of correcting astigmatism! The three most common surgical procedures to treat astigmatism are LASIK, PRK and SMILE.

1. iLASIK – This procedure involves creating a small flap in the corneal tissue using a femtosecond laser called the Intralase. A second excimer laser then reshapes the corneal surface to correct the irregularity of the cornea.
2. PRK – PRK is an alternative procedure for those who are not suitable for iLASIK surgery. Instead of creating a flap in the cornea, the front surface cells of the cornea (epithelial cells) are removed. The cornea is then reshaped using the excimer laser.
3. SMILE – A femtosecond laser creates a small incision and carves out a lenticular piece of corneal tissue. This lenticule is then removed to correct the irregular surface of the cornea.

Is everyone with astigmatism suitable for laser eye surgery?

Most people with astigmatism are suitable for laser eye surgery. However, not everyone meets the eligibility criteria. A person’s suitability depends on the thickness of their cornea, the nature of their cornea irregularity and lifestyle factors such as age.

A specialised refractive surgeon will be able to assess your eyes to determine your eligibility for laser eye surgery and decide which procedure is most suitable for your eyes. Dr Con Moshegov, our principal refractive surgeon, highly specialises in laser eye surgery and has successfully performed laser surgery for 25 years

Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery

To find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery, book here for a free consultation where one of our expert clinicians will be able to decide your eligibility.