Eye Health Resources

Astigmatism treatments: Can it be fixed or cured permanently?

You have treatment options—some more permanent that others

The way your eye doctor treats or corrects your astigmatism depends on a few factors, like your lifestyle and how severe your astigmatism is. The most common ways that eye doctors 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

A woman wearing glasses sits reading a newspaper while she holds a blue coffee mug

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 are not permanent. When you’re not wearing them, you’ll still experience the vision challenges of astigmatism.

A close-up of a contact lens resting on an extended finger, with a blue sweater visible in the background

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 contacts. The corrected cornea shape is temporary and will eventually return to its original shape.

A hand grips a joystick attached to a screen with a pupil visible within crosshairs during eye surgery

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.

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

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 eye doctor 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 treatment options are, schedule an eye exam.

Why choose ACUVUE for astigmatism?

Clear vision

Contacts provide unobstructed sight and correct astigmatism as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

BLINK STABILIZED® design

For astigmatism, it’s extremely important that your lenses stay in place for clear vision. Ours realign with every blink.

Great for active lifestyles

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

Apply and remove hassle-free

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

UV protection#

ACUVUE offers UV blocking# across its entire line of contact lenses, including those for astigmatism.

Get started with ACUVUE contact lenses

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Provide some basic information and get a certificate for a free* trial pair

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Related content

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A closer look at astigmatism

Take a deeper dive into how astigmatism works and what can be done by your eye doctor to treat it.

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Understanding the different types of astigmatism

Astigmatism isn't one-size-fits-all. The way your eye doctor will treat your astigmatism depends on the kind of astigmatism you have.

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Astigmatism: The impact of lights & driving at night

Uncorrected astigmatism can present some challenges when encountering bright lights at night.

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Toric contact lenses for astigmatism: What are they?

Discover how toric contact lenses work to correct astigmatism.

Footnotes

Consult your eye care professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

#Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.


WARNING: 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. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.

~Reward amount dependent on ACUVUE product and quantity purchased and if you are a new wearer. Must get an eye exam and purchase from participating provider. Original receipt
required. Valid thru 06/30/24. Rewards paid in the form of an ACUVUE brand Prepaid Mastercard® . Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted in the U.S. issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Your use of the prepaid card is governed by the Cardholder Agreement, and some fees may apply. This is not a gift card. Please note that prepaid cards are subject to expiration, so pay close attention to the expiration date of the card.

Important Information For Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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