What to know about laser eye surgery for astigmatism

If you’ve been dreaming of ditching glasses and contact lenses but still want clear vision, laser eye surgery may be worth asking your doctor about. Find out how laser eye surgery like LASIK can correct astigmatism, pros and cons to the procedures, and possible alternatives your eye doctor may recommend.

Medically reviewed on October 27, 2025

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Published on February 3, 2026

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5 minute read

Can you get laser eye surgery if you have astigmatism?

While this is a question for your eye doctor, laser eye surgery like LASIK (which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is an option for many people with astigmatism. Good candidates for this surgery usually fit the following criteria:

At least 18 years old
Have healthy eyes with stable vision
Don’t have any serious eye conditions
Are diagnosed with mild to moderate astigmatism
Have good cornea thickness

If your astigmatism is severe enough, you may not be a good candidate for surgery. That’s why it's important to have a thorough eye exam and discuss your health with an eye doctor, because they're the only person that can determine whether eye surgery would be right for you.

What is astigmatism?

How laser eye surgery works

During laser eye surgery, a thin flap of tissue is created on the surface of your cornea (the clear part at the front of your eye), and then a computer-controlled laser removes tiny amounts of tissue to make it more evenly round. This process helps light focus correctly on the retina (back part of your eye responsible for turning light coming into your eye into what you see). The laser is very precise, so your treatment can be customized to your unique eye shape.

The entire procedure is quick, usually taking less than 30 minutes for both eyes. Most patients experience little discomfort and see improvements within a day or two. After surgery, patients are usually told to rest and avoid rubbing their eyes, but many can return to normal activities quickly.

Pros and cons of laser eye surgery for astigmatism

It's important to discuss the following pros and cons with your eye doctor to decide if laser eye surgery for astigmatism is right for you.

Pros

Quick and effective

Many people see better within a few days.

Less need for glasses or contacts

Many patients no longer need corrective lenses after LASIK.

Minimally invasive

The procedure is quick and involves little discomfort.

Long-lasting results

For many people, the correction lasts many years, although some may need enhancements later. This is because, while LASIK is permanent, the eye can still change over time.

Cons

Possible side effects

Some people experience dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights, especially at night.

Not suitable for everyone

People with thin corneas or certain eye conditions may not be candidates.

Rare complications

Infections or issues with the corneal flap can occur but are very uncommon.

Cost

LASIK can be expensive and is usually not covered by insurance.

Other treatment options for astigmatism

While laser eye surgery like LASIK is a popular choice for correcting astigmatism, it’s certainly not the only option. There are several other ways to manage or improve vision if you have astigmatism.

Glasses and contact lenses

These are two of the most common solutions. Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism by compensating for the uneven shape of the cornea. These lenses can be either soft or rigid gas-permeable, depending on what works best for your eyes.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (often called Ortho‑K) uses rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. It is primarily for myopia correction and slowing its progression, and is non-surgical and reversible. Specialized toric designs can treat mild to moderate astigmatism. Consistent nightly wear and regular follow-up are essential.

Implantable lenses

For people who prefer a more permanent solution but aren’t good candidates for LASIK, implantable lenses might be an option. These are tiny lenses inserted into the eye during surgery, similar to contact lenses but placed inside the eye itself. They are often used for people with high degrees of astigmatism or thin corneas.

Refractive lens exchange

Similar to cataract surgery, this procedure replaces the eye’s natural lens with a special intraocular lens (IOL) designed to correct astigmatism. This can be a good choice for older adults or those with presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision.

Cataract surgery and its impact on astigmatism

Cataracts are cloudy areas that develop in the lens behind the cornea, often as people age. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. When their patient also has astigmatism, surgeons can choose special intraocular lenses (IOLs) designed to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery. Even so, not everyone with astigmatism is a candidate for this, and the outcome depends on the severity of the condition. If you have cataracts and astigmatism, talk to your eye surgeon about options for correcting both issues during your surgery. This way, you might be able to enjoy clear vision and less dependence on glasses.

Talk to your eye doctor about laser surgery for astigmatism

If you're considering laser eye surgery for astigmatism or want to explore other treatment options, talk to your eye doctor. They can evaluate your eyes, discuss your vision goals, and help you choose the right treatment plan. Remember, everyone's eyes are different, and what works for one person might not be the best for another. Taking the time to get a professional opinion ensures you make a safe and informed decision about your eye health.

Find an eye doctor

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can LASIK fix astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK can effectively correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to improve how light enters the eye.

Can you get LASIK with astigmatism?

Most people with mild to moderate astigmatism are good candidates for LASIK, but a full eye exam is necessary to determine suitability.

How does laser eye surgery for astigmatism work?

The surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea, making it more round and improving focus.

What are the pros and cons of laser eye surgery for astigmatism?

Pros include quick recovery and less dependence on glasses; cons include possible side effects and rare complications.

Does cataract surgery correct astigmatism?

It can, if special lenses are used during the procedure, but not all cataract surgeries will fix astigmatism.

Is laser eye surgery safe for astigmatism?

Yes, when performed by experienced surgeons, it is considered safe and effective for suitable candidates.

How long do the results last?

Most results are long-lasting, but some people’s eyes will continue to change as they age and this may make it necessary to have additional “touch-up” procedures over time.