Astigmatism contact lenses – an alternative

For patients with astigmatism, contact lenses or glasses were the preferred method of treatment for many years. As technology has developed, there is now a permanent and safe solution to astigmatism contact lenses – laser eye surgery.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is an eye condition that results from the cornea being more oblong than spherical shaped. As a result, light enters at different angels which creates two points of focus and the inability to see clearly unless one squints. Astigmatism can also present in a myopic or hyperopic eye. Astigmatism contacts can be hard or soft and feature compensating optical cylindrical lenses. Astigmatism can also be treated with spectacles and refractive eye surgery, which is our specialisation.

Astigmatism and laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery corrects refractive errors and was mistakenly not considered as an alternative to astigmatism contact lenses. Like presbyopia, astigmatism treatment was confined to traditional treatment. At the London Vision Clinic, we have been treating both with laser eye surgery successfully for many years now. Browse our results for more information.

There are two types of laser eye surgery, LASIK and LASEK / PRK – both utilise very precise lasers to reshape corneas. The cornea is focused on as this is where light enters your eye and its shape determines how it enters and whether you have normal, short, long or astigmatic sight.

Contact lenses can still be used to treat astigmatism, but laser eye surgery is a permanent and safe solution that allows you to depart from the daily ritual of cleaning and inserting your lenses each morning. It is also far more affordable in the long-run.

Find out more about suitability for laser eye surgery of this nature at the London Vision Clinic or contact one of our Patient Care Coordinators on 0207 224 1005 if you’re currently depending on contacts for your astigmatism.