Individuals who experience vision errors commonly ask how to cure astigmatism. Although one of the most popular answers is to get corrective eyewear, it may not be the ideal solution for everyone. Eye care professionals also recommend surgical procedures to deliver long-lasting relief from astigmatism. Some encourage more lifestyle changes to prevent it from worsening.

Although many individuals live with it, not everybody is familiar with the different ways on how to control astigmatism. If you are looking for the most efficient solutions to cure and prevent it, here are some options to consider.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error that happens when your cornea has an irregular shape. A normal cornea is perfectly round, whereas one with astigmatism is more oval or elongated. The unusual shape distorts your vision because not enough light focuses on the retina. If you have astigmatism, your vision appears blurry or distorted no matter where you look.

It is also one of the most common types of refractive conditions present in Filipinos. A 2025 survey conducted in Santiago, Isabela found that 61% of elementary school students already have astigmatism. If left untreated, these students may suffer from more complicated eye problems as they grow older. 

How Do Eye Doctors Diagnose Astigmatism?

You need to undergo a comprehensive eye exam and visual acuity test to get a diagnosis. You may encounter the following tools:

• Eye Chart – Tests how clear or sharp your vision is. You will be asked to stand at a certain distance and read letters from an eye chart.
• Phoropter – Contains different lenses, which you will be asked to try and tell your doctor which gives you better sight.
• Autorefractor – Automatically assesses the amount of refraction in your eye. The device shines a light to the back of your eye to instantly measure and calculate your prescription. 
• Keratometer – Measures the curve and shape of your cornea. This can be accompanied by a topography scan to find distorted areas on the corneal surface.

Diopters indicate the severity of your condition and tell you how to control astigmatism. For instance, 0.5 to 0.75 is a common level of astigmatism that requires no immediate correction. However, diopters of 1.5 above are usually prescribed contact lenses or eyeglasses. 

How to Control Astigmatism: 4 Tips You Should Consider

1. Get prescription glasses or contact lenses.

The first type of cure for astigmatism is prescription eyewear. Eyeglasses are a safe, simple, and affordable way to correct astigmatism. Glasses can also be designed to meet special prescriptions. It corrects the focus of light on the retina, providing clearer vision for mild to moderate levels of astigmatism.

Contact lenses are regarded as a more convenient alternative to eyeglasses. It can provide a wider field of vision, eliminate the need for frames, and come in special types. 

Although you can choose between eyeglasses and contact lenses to fit your lifestyle, most people still find it a hassle to maintain either choice. Glasses can limit individuals with an active lifestyle, while contacts take some time to clean, store, and replace.

2. Research LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism.

If you’re looking for a long-term solution, explore LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that uses lasers to treat refractive errors, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. 

During LASIK, specialized lasers are programmed to reshape the cornea so that light can pass through more efficiently. It is generally considered a quick and painless eye surgery for astigmatism. A 2021 study from the Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology reported that in just 3 months, 100% of patients who had undergone LASIK achieved 20/25 vision or better. 

Although LASIK eye surgery can be intimidating for some patients, it is critical to know the different advantages of this procedure.

Benefits of LASIK:

• Immediate results
• Little to no pain or discomfort
• Long-term improvement to vision clarity and sharpness
• Cost-saving alternative to frequent glasses and contacts
• Offers lifestyle convenience

3. Explore other options for laser eye surgery.

Because of certain eye conditions and level of refractive errors, not all patients with astigmatism are good candidates for LASIK. Instead of going back to glasses or contacts, other common surgical options include PRK and ICL. 

• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is another type of laser eye surgery for astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. Its main difference from LASIK is that PRK takes a longer recovery period. Your doctor will numb your eyes with anesthetic drops, then make an incision to gently remove the corneal surface.After this, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. By the end, a bandage lens will be placed to protect your eye throughout recovery. This will be removed 3 to 7 days post-operation.

• ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

ICL does not use lasers to reshape the cornea, rather, it makes a micro incision using a special blade, through which your doctor will insert a special lens. This is called implantable collamer lens, a biocompatible lens that is meant to correct refractive errors without risks to the integrity of the cornea. ICL can also be reversed later in life, usually because of prescription changes or age-related cataract development. On the other hand, PRK and LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism are permanent procedures with long-lasting results. It takes a few weeks for your vision to completely stabilize from an ICL treatment.

4. Make lifestyle changes to prevent worsening astigmatism.

Astigmatism can be genetic or present from birth, but you can still prevent it from getting worse. Some of the common causes include age-related factors, eye strain, incorrect prescription, and eye injuries.

• Make sure to visit an eye care specialist at least once a year or every six months, so you can update your prescription.
• If you use monitors and screens often, set aside enough time to rest your eyes to prevent eye strain.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Ensure you have proper lighting when reading and working.

When Should I Consider LASIK Eye Surgery for Astigmatism?

• You have blurry or distorted vision.

If you have difficulties seeing objects at a distance, or even close up, you most likely have refractive errors like astigmatism.

• You experience eye strain and headaches.

Continuous or repeated eye strain accompanied by headaches can be a warning sign that your astigmatism is worsening. Laser eye surgery for astigmatism can give you long-term relief from pain.

• Your vision is strained at night.

When you are walking or driving at night, you might see light ‘haloes’, stretched or distorted lights. Not only does it make it difficult to see, but it also poses significant risk of danger.

• Eyeglasses and contact lenses get in the way of your lifestyle.

Even if you’re wearing prescription eyewear, it may not be the right fit for your lifestyle. LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism can make life easier for people with active hobbies, jobs, or engage daily in physically demanding tasks.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention before your eyesight gets worse. While prescriptive eyewear can temporarily relieve you from refractive errors, laser eye surgery for astigmatism can give you a permanent, long-lasting treatment. Talk to a trusted ophthalmologist today to figure out your best option.

ALSO READ: Why You Must Identify Astigmatism Symptoms as Early as Possible

AsPac Eye Laser and Surgicenter is a specialized eye clinic in Laguna, providing primary and technical eye care, laser eye treatment, and diagnostic eye exams. We specialize in LASIK eye surgery for astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia, as well as PRK and ICL surgery. Our licensed, professional eye doctors also provide safe, compassionate treatments for cataract, glaucoma, and various other eye conditions.

Click here to schedule your appointment with us today.