Imagine waking up one morning and reaching for your glasses, only to realise you do not need them. That is the freedom many patients are looking for when they explore laser eye surgery.
But what if you have been told you have astigmatism? Astigmatism is one of the four main types of refractive error that the eye can have. The others being short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and presbyopia which is the age related impairment of reading vision.
At the clinics of Mr Alex Day at Moorfields Private, we regularly see people who assumed they were not suitable for laser vision correction because they had been told they had high astigmatism. In reality, many of these patients turn out to be good candidates. The key is the right procedure and making sure the timing and measurements are correct.
Explore laser eye surgery further by clicking here.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is where the cornea has more of a rugby-ball shape, rather than a football shape (spherical). In astigmatism, the light is not focused on the retina as a single point, and so causes blurred vision. Almost every person has some degree of astigmatism and it is very unusual for someone to not have astigmatism.
Why treating astigmatism used to be tricky
In the past, laser eye surgery either could not, or could only treat small amounts of astigmatism. The rugby-shaped cornea that causes astigmatism means light bends differently in different directions, so the laser has to correct a more complex shape rather than a simple curve. With modern laser eye surgery even very high amounts of astigmatism such as up to 6 diopters can typically be treated, depending on the individual eye.
How the story has changed
At Moorfields Private, Mr Alex Day uses advanced platforms such as the Schwind 1050RS excimer laser and the Zeiss VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser. These systems support:
- Femtosecond-LASIK (flap-based correction)
- Surface-laser treatments such as transPRK (no-flap, no-touch)
- Lenticule-extraction techniques such as SMILE Pro.
They allow very precise reshaping of the cornea, tailored to the treatment needed for your eye.
The result? Many people with higher astigmatism can now be treated safely, provided the cornea and overall eye health are suitable.
How laser eye surgery works to correct astigmatism
The mechanics of correction
Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, so that incoming light focuses cleanly on the retina rather than in front of it or behind it.
For higher myopia more tissue is removed from the centre of the cornea to reduce the focusing power of the eye.
For astigmatism, the laser changes the curvature in different directions so that the irregular shape becomes smoother and more even.
What this means in practice
During a consultation with Mr Alex Day you can expect
- A detailed measurement of corneal thickness and curvature
- Mapping of the astigmatic axis and any higher-order irregularities
- Checks for conditions such as dry eye or early keratoconus
- A discussion of your glasses history and how stable your prescription has been
From there, the question is simple: Is it safe to remove the amount of tissue needed and will your cornea remain strong. If yes you may be a candidate for laser correction. If not, you may be better served by a lens-based solution.
Is laser eye surgery right for you? Suitability with Mr Alex Day
What we look for
At the clinics of Mr Alex Day at Moorfields Private West London and City, the team will look at
- Prescription stability- ideally little or no change over the last two years.
- Corneal thickness and shape, enough tissue must remain after treatment.
- The level and pattern of astigmatism.
- Other eye conditions such as dry eye, keratoconus early cataract or retinal issues.
- Your lifestyle and visual goals for work, sport, driving and close work.
This information allows a bespoke recommendation rather than a one-size-fits-all all answer.
If laser eye surgery is appropriate, Mr Day will talk you through whether LASIK transPRK or SMILE is the best fit for your eyes and your lifestyle.
If it is not ideal, you will not be left without options. Lens-based treatments, such as refractive lens exchange or implantable contact lenses, are discussed openly with clear pros and cons.
Why treating astigmatism matters
If you have worn strong glasses or toric contact lenses for many years you know the frustrations
- Fogging every time you come in from the cold.
- Contact lens dryness by the end of the working day.
- Limits on sport and swimming.
- The ongoing cost and maintenance of lenses and solutions.
Reducing your dependence on glasses and contacts can feel transformative. Many patients report
- Greater confidence and convenience day to day.
- Clearer vision for driving screen work and sport.
- long-term freedom from lens-related irritation and infection risk.
There are trade-offs to be aware of, particularly at the higher prescription end
- Recovery can demand more patience with surface treatments.
- A small number of patients need a fine-tuning enhancement.
- Some people notice mild nighttime glare or haloes, although modern planning and laser profiles have greatly reduced this.
These points are not reasons to avoid treatment, but they are important to understand up front.
Key takeaways and next steps
- Astigmatism does not automatically rule you out of laser eye surgery.
- The crucial questions are whether your cornea is strong enough, your prescription is stable, and the right technique is chosen.
- At the clinics of Mr Alex Day at Moorfields Private, you receive a thorough suitability assessment designed for complex or high correction cases.
- If laser is not the best answer, you have access to refractive lens exchange and EVO implantable contact lens surgery through the same specialist surgeon.
If you want to know whether your numbers can be treated, the next step is simple.
Book a consultation with Mr Alex Day for a full assessment, measurements and an honest personalised plan.
Start your journey with us today
Call 020 7100 5468
Start your journey with us and find out whether you can join the many patients with high prescriptions and astigmatism who now enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision after treatment.
FAQ
1 Can laser eye surgery correct high astigmatism?
Yes. Laser eye surgery can effectively treat astigmatism by reshaping the cornea and many people with mild to moderate astigmatism are excellent candidates. High astigmatism can also be treated in selected cases following a detailed assessment.
2 If my prescription is too high for laser, what can I do?
You may be better suited to EVO implantable contact lenses or refractive lens exchange. Both are offered by Mr Alex Day at Moorfields Private and can be combined with laser fine-tuning in selected cases.
3 How long does recovery take?
Almost all LASIK patients see very well within about 24 hours, and within 24-48 hours after SMILE. Recovery after transPRK is slower and often takes one to two weeks for vision to settle to a high level. Your exact recovery depends on the procedure chosen and your own healing pattern.
