Last updated on
22 August 2025
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Astigmatism is a common eye issue caused by a refractive error. People with it tend to have distorted or blurred vision at all distances.
The traditional method of addressing astigmatism has been to use glasses or contact lenses. However, a new option may be to correct it permanently through surgery such as LASIK, PRK, and ICL.
In this guide, we explain each procedure and highlight the key differences among them. In the process, you should get an idea of whether to seek ICL, PRK, or LASIK for astigmatism.
Astigmatism happens when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly curved in a way that makes it focus light unevenly on the retina.
This can cause blurry vision, visual distortion, and eye strain. People with it also report regular headaches and difficulty seeing clearly at night.
The condition may coexist with or without myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
Those who suffer from it typically address it with glasses and contacts that correct their vision. The problem with these options is that they do not treat the underlying issue.
When people look up laser eye surgery for astigmatism, their first query is typically whether surgery can treat the condition.
Surgery is indeed a viable treatment for most cases of astigmatism. The goal of the surgery is to improve the way the eye focuses light on the retina. It does this by reshaping the cornea or implanting a lens that achieves the correct refraction.
Three main surgical options are used for this: LASIK, PRK, and ICL. Each one has its own advantages and suitability profile.
Ideal for: People with mild to moderate astigmatism and sufficiently thick corneas.
Can LASIK correct astigmatism? Yes, in fact.
In this procedure, a corneal flap is created first. After that, a laser reshapes the tissue beneath that flap. The flap is repositioned over the area after the reshaping is finished.
The chief benefit of LASIK is that it offers rapid visual improvement. Most patients see changes for the better within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure.
The treatment also offers minimal discomfort and quick recovery. This makes it a good option for people who want to minimise downtime.
However, it is not suitable for people with thin corneas, as the procedure may affect the structural stability of their corneas. Moreover, people with severe dry eyes are not advised to get it, as the creation of the corneal flap disrupts the tear film.
Other people who are not advised to get it are those with unstable vision, pregnancy or breastfeeding (the cornea can change due to the hormones), or professions in contact sports (which carry a high risk of flap displacement).
Ideal for: People for whom LASIK is not advised due to factors like thin corneas or dry eyes.
This is a flapless alternative to LASIK. In this procedure, the surface layer or epithelium of the eye is removed before the laser reshaping.
Because of this, the recovery period can be longer than for LASIK. It can take as long as a week with initial discomfort.
However, the final visual outcomes tend to match LASIK’s once the healing is complete. It also suits those with thin corneas, dry eyes, or active lifestyles. This is because it does away with the flap-related risks of LASIK.
Ideal for: People with high refractive errors, thin corneas, dry eye, or active lifestyles.
ICL requires the surgeon to insert a biocompatible lens between the iris and the natural lens. This is done by first creating a small corneal incision.
The new lens is set in place through that incision. It can also be removed through it, which means the method is reversible.
Results are fast with this method. Many patients even regain around 75% of their vision the day after the procedure. Furthermore, it’s suitable even for patients with up to 2000° myopia and 600° astigmatism.
However, it is more invasive and can have risks such as cataract development or increased pressure within the eye.
The best way to find the procedure ideal for your situation is to seek the help of an experienced medical professional. He should perform the following to aid you:
From there, you should get recommendations on which method or methods are best for your case. In general, however, LASIK is favoured for speed and comfort. PRK or ICL are more often recommended for particular anatomical or lifestyle factors.
LASIK, PRK, and ICL are all outpatient procedures. All three are also completed in under 30 minutes using local anaesthesia.
Here are the general expectations for visual improvement post-procedure for each one:
Each surgical option for astigmatism has its strengths and limitations. Candidacy for a procedure depends on a variety of factors too, from corneal thickness to the patient’s tolerance for surgical risks.
If you want to find out if you should choose ICL, PRK, or LASIK for astigmatism, consult with an ophthalmologist today. Our eye doctors at ERS Suntec City can provide an assessment of the options in your case to help you make a choice. Book an appointment now!
