Eye Health Resources

Astigmatism treatments: Can it be fixed or cured permanently?

You have correction options—some more permanent that others

The way your Optician treats or corrects your astigmatism depends on a few factors, like your lifestyle and how severe your astigmatism is. The most common ways that Opticians correct astigmatism—with glasses or contact lenses—are not permanent. When you stop wearing your vision correction, you will still experience the vision impacts of astigmatism. But there are more permanent options, like laser surgery. Below, we’ll go more in depth into the treatment options, which include:

Eyeglasses
Contact lenses
Orthokeratology
Laser and other refractive surgery

1. Eyeglasses for astigmatism

One of the most common ways to improve vision if you have astigmatism is with eyeglasses. These glasses have a toric lens, which is a slightly differently shaped lens made specifically for people with astigmatism. Glasses are easy—you just put them on when you need them—but they're not permanent. When you’re not wearing them, you’ll still experience the vision challenges of astigmatism.

2. Orthokeratology for astigmatism

Orthokeratology is a big word for a treatment that temporarily reshapes the cornea. Think: A mold that adjusts the cornea to a shape that provides clearer vision. Patients who use orthokeratology lenses wear them for limited periods of time—typically overnight—and then remove them to enjoy temporarily clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. The corrected cornea shape is temporary and will eventually return to its original shape.

3. Laser and other surgeries

Surgery is a more lasting way to correct astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea or replacing the lens, depending on what is affected by astigmatism. One of the most widely recognized versions is LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis.

Contact lenses for astigmatism

Contact lenses work in a similar way to eyeglasses—they work to refocus light so that you can see more clearly. That said, there are two main types of contact lenses for astigmatism.

1.Toric soft contact lenses

The name “toric” comes from the shape of the lens, which has two different curves to correct for the American football-shaped cornea and/or lens that a patient has. Toric contact lenses are tailored to a person’s unique astigmatism, depending on how severe it is, how the astigmatism is oriented in the eye, and any other vision problems a person may have

2.Toric RGP (rigid gas permeable)

This type of lens may work better for people with high levels of astigmatism or for people with irregular astigmatism. That’s because they retain their shape and this can lead to clearer vision. The trade-off is they’re thicker and more rigid, so they take some getting used to, and since they’re custom-made, the up-front costs tend to be higher.

Find the right solution for you

Only your Optician can help determine what options are right for your unique eyes. If you aren’t sure if you have astigmatism, or if you are curious what your correction options are, schedule an eye exam.

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Why choose ACUVUE^® for astigmatism?

Clear and stable vision¹

No matter how active you may be, your vision with ACUVUE^{^®} contact lenses for astigmatism is clear and stable all day¹ and can correct for both short-sightedness and long-sightedness.

EYELID STABILISED^{^®} design

For astigmatism, it's extremely important that your lenses stay in place for clear vision. ACUVUE^{^®} lenses realign with every blink².

Great for active lifestyles

Your vision stays clear and stable¹ as you run, jump and twist. And unlike glasses, there's no risk of breaking contact lenses.

Easy application and removal

Due to the contact lens' design, it can't be applied upside down like most other lenses for astigmatism².

Built in UV protection^#

ACUVUE^{^®} offers UV blocking^#across its entire line of contact lenses, including those for astigmatism

See ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Astigmatism Treatments

Can astigmatism ever be corrected?

Regular astigmatism is when the two principal meridians are 90 degrees apart, with one meridian being steeper than the other. This type of astigmatism is most common and can be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.

Can astigmatism be cured by laser?

There are three options to correct astigmatism – glasses, contact lenses or laser eye surgery. Prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct astigmatism (along with long-sightedness or short-sightedness, if necessary). Alternatively, laser eye surgery can correct astigmatism and give you clearer vision.

What's the most common treatment for astigmatism?

Lenses and glasses are the most common and simplest ways to correct astigmatism.

Can astigmatism be prevented?

No, astigmatism often persists from birth or can develop due to genetic factors, eye injuries, diseases, or surgery. While there are no known measures that can be taken to prevent astigmatism, you can manage it.

Can LASIK or PRK correct astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK and PRK can permanently correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. These are generally good treatment options for those who qualify.

Are there any non-surgical ways to improve astigmatism?

Besides glasses and contacts, there aren't any non-surgical methods to cure or significantly improve astigmatism itself.

* Please note professional eye examination and fitting fees may apply. GCC residents 18 or over only. One trial per person. Eligibility subject to Eye Care Professional approval. Participating Eye Care Professionals only. See link for full terms and conditions.

All ACUVUE^® contact lenses have UV Blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV absorbing eyewear such as UV absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV absorbing eyewear as directed by your Eye Care Professional.

For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your Eye Care Professional and read the Instructions for Use.