# What is H52.2 Astigmatism? Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/h52-2-astigmatism **Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-05 > **Summary:** H52.2 is the code under which astigmatism is recorded in the ICD, the International Classification of Diseases. Astigmatism means light cannot focus at a single point on the retina because the curvature of the cornea or lens is not equal in every meridian, which causes blurred vision at any distance. ## Quick Facts - **ICD code:** H52.2 - **Usual range:** between 0.25 and 6.00 dioptres, higher in some cases - **Low degree:** below 0.75 dioptres - **Moderate:** between 0.75 and 2.00 dioptres - **High degree:** above 2.00 dioptres - **Laser treatment:** for patients over eighteen with a prescription stable over the past year --- ## What Does H52.2 Mean? H52.2 is a classification code for astigmatism, not a definite diagnosis; an examination is needed to diagnose and grade it. Because the cornea or lens is not evenly curved, light is not refracted at the right angle, and blurred vision leads to headache and eye strain. ## Causes Astigmatism is generally hereditary. It rarely appears after eye surgery. Listed causes: - Keratoconus - Genetic factors - Complications after eye surgery - Injuries to the eye - The eyelids pressing too heavily on the cornea ## Symptoms - Watering of the eyes - Blurred near or distance vision - Dizziness and headache - A marked decline in night vision - Squinting to bring vision into focus - Eye strain If one or more of these is present, an ophthalmologist should be seen. ## Diagnosis A comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist: - **Snellen test:** measures visual acuity. - **Retinoscopy:** assesses how the eye refracts light. - **Keratometry:** maps the curvature of the cornea. - **Corneal topography:** analyses the corneal surface in detail and determines the degree and type of astigmatism. The tests are painless and short. Regular examinations, especially in childhood, matter for early diagnosis. ## Degrees of Astigmatism - **Low (below 0.75 dioptres):** vision problems are very rare, daily life is not affected; glasses or contact lenses are generally not considered necessary. - **Moderate (0.75 to 2.00 dioptres):** blurring at near and distance, dizziness, headache and eye strain; glasses or contact lenses are generally recommended. - **High (above 2.00 dioptres):** clarity and quality of vision are seriously affected, objects can look distorted or wavy; alongside glasses and lenses, LASIK or intraocular lens surgery is recommended. ## Types of Astigmatism - **Regular:** the most common type; the main axes lie at ninety degrees to one another. Corrected with laser, glasses and lenses. - **Irregular:** the cornea has more than one curved structure and even the flattest axes are not at ninety degrees. Hard to correct with glasses alone, so lenses and intraocular lenses can be used. - **Myopic astigmatism:** combined with myopia; two separate focal points. - **Hyperopic astigmatism:** the eye is shorter than it should be; part of the light focuses on the retina and part behind it. These can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses and laser; where correction is incomplete, intraocular lenses are used. ## Treatment - Below 0.75 dioptres, treatment is generally not needed. - Moderate astigmatism: glasses or contact lenses are enough. - High astigmatism: laser (LASIK, PRK) or phakic intraocular lens surgery. - Laser is applied to patients over eighteen whose prescription has been stable over the past year. - Patients not suitable for laser can be treated with toric intraocular lenses. - The ophthalmologist assesses corneal thickness, eye structure and expectations before recommending a treatment. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Is H52.2 a diagnosis?** A: It is a classification code for astigmatism. An examination is needed for a definite diagnosis and grading. **Q: Does astigmatism clear completely?** A: Some people reach fully clear vision with glasses or lenses, and laser can correct it permanently in suitable patients. Results vary from person to person. **Q: Does astigmatism cause headaches?** A: Yes, especially with long periods of screen use or reading, eye strain and headache can occur. **Q: Does astigmatism progress?** A: Astigmatism present from birth often changes little. It can increase in conditions such as keratoconus, so regular check-ups matter. **Q: Does low astigmatism (below 0.75) always require glasses?** A: Not always. Glasses can help if there are complaints; otherwise monitoring may be enough. **Q: What is the difference between regular and irregular astigmatism?** A: In regular astigmatism the two main meridians are more orderly and glasses correct it better. In irregular astigmatism the corneal surface is more irregular, so special lenses or additional treatments may be needed. **Q: Why does astigmatism affect night vision?** A: When the pupil widens at night, scattering increases and glare and flares are felt more strongly. **Q: Can astigmatism be corrected with laser?** A: Yes, in suitable candidates. Corneal thickness and topography measurements are critical to the decision.