Astigmatism Treatments

Corrective Lenses

Corrective lenses, such as glasses or toric contact lens, are prescribed to offset the eye’s visual abnormalities or defects, such as excessive nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

Surgery

To correct severe astigmatism, an ophthalmologist might use special knives or a laser beam to correct the abnormal or irregular curve of the cornea. The surgery is an outpatient procedure (does not require a hospital stay) that is performed with local anesthesia.

There are three types of surgical procedures that an ophthalmologist might perform:

• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)—Laser beams are used to reshape the abnormal or irregular curve of the cornea.
• Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)—This is a type of PRK; the ophthalmologist uses a laser beam to reshape the curve of the cornea by removing corneal tissue.
• Radical keratotomy (RK)—Small incisions (cuts) are made partial thickness into the cornea.
• Laser-assisted subepithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)—This procedure is not as commonly used; however, it may offer additional benefits especially for patients with thin corneas or at high risk of an eye injury.

There are risk factors associated with all surgery. To choose the best surgical treatment option for your condition, it is important that you speak with your doctor about potential risks and side effects.