Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an extremely common refractive condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens — rather than being perfectly round like a basketball, the eye is shaped more like a football, causing light to focus at more than one point and resulting in blurred or distorted vision at any distance.
Request an AppointmentSymptoms of Astigmatism
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Eye strain or discomfort, especially after reading or screen time
- Headaches
- Difficulty with night vision, including glare or halos around lights
- Squinting to see clearly
Astigmatism is often present from birth and can occur alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness. It can also change gradually over time or develop after an eye injury or surgery.
Correcting Astigmatism
Mild astigmatism can often be corrected with glasses or standard contact lenses. Higher amounts of astigmatism typically require toric contact lenses, specifically designed to correct the irregular curvature.
For patients ready to move beyond glasses and contacts, several surgical options can correct astigmatism directly:
- LASIK and PRK can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism along with nearsightedness or farsightedness in the same procedure.
- Toric intraocular lenses correct astigmatism during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, reducing the need for glasses afterward.
If astigmatism has been part of why you’ve stayed dependent on glasses or contacts, we’ll evaluate your degree of astigmatism and corneal shape to determine which correction option — laser or lens-based — gives you the most stable, lasting result.
Contact Louisiana Eye Specialists at to schedule a consultation and discuss your astigmatism correction options.
Request an AppointmentAstigmatism FAQs
Is astigmatism a disease, or just a common vision issue?
Astigmatism isn’t a disease — it’s simply an irregularly shaped cornea or lens that affects how light focuses in the eye, and it’s very common and highly correctable.
Can astigmatism get worse over time?
It can change gradually with age or after an eye injury or surgery, which is why regular eye exams help us track and adjust your correction as needed.
Can I get LASIK if I have astigmatism?
In most cases, yes. LASIK and PRK can correct astigmatism along with nearsightedness or farsightedness in a single procedure.
What are toric lenses?
Toric lenses — whether contact lenses or intraocular lenses used during cataract or lens exchange surgery — are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
Will astigmatism affect my cataract surgery options?
Yes, and in a good way — toric intraocular lenses can correct your astigmatism at the same time your cataract is removed, often reducing your need for glasses afterward.
Can children have astigmatism?
Yes, astigmatism is often present from birth, which is one reason regular pediatric eye exams are important.