# Can laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-laser-treatments/can-laser-eye-surgery-fix-astigmatism

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-16

> **Summary:** Yes, laser eye surgery can fix astigmatism at the root by reshaping the cornea, which in astigmatism is shaped like a slightly pressed egg rather than a ball. The article explains how the laser works, the differences between LASIK, PRK / No Touch and SMILE, and who is a candidate.

## Quick Facts
- **Laser time:** A few seconds to 20-30 seconds per eye, depending on the prescription, with little or no pain.
- **Permanence:** The correction is lifelong; the eye does not return to its old state.
- **Minimum age:** 18.
- **Prescription:** Stable for the last year.

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## How the Laser Corrects Astigmatism
- In astigmatism the cornea is egg-shaped, so light scatters instead of focusing on one point, and images become blurry, warped and distorted.
- Before surgery the cornea is mapped with a precision of one thousandth of a millimeter.
- Using this map, the laser reshapes the corneal surface, vaporizing excess tissue to turn the egg shape back into a ball.
- Unlike glasses, it removes the source of the problem rather than correcting the image temporarily.

## Laser Methods
All serve the same purpose; the techniques differ slightly.
- **LASIK:** The most popular, for those who want speed. A tiny flap is opened in the cornea, the bed is lasered and the flap is closed. Vision is clear the next day and recovery is very comfortable.
- **PRK / No Touch:** A flapless method, with No Touch as its contact-free version; the laser is applied directly to the corneal surface. Healing takes a few days longer with some initial stinging, but with no flap it is a safer option for thin corneas or people who do hard sports like boxing.
- **SMILE:** The newest technology. Instead of a flap, a thin tissue disc (lenticule) is created inside the cornea and removed through a tiny incision. It involves the least intervention to the cornea, which suits people prone to dry eyes.

The method is chosen together after detailed measurements.

## Who Is a Candidate?
- Eye prescription stable for the last year; if it keeps changing, it is best to wait.
- At least 18 years old.
- Cornea suitable for the chosen method.
- No chronic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes.
- Realistic expectations.

## After Surgery
The correction is lifelong, but after 40 the eyes may start needing reading glasses because of natural aging. This does not mean the surgery failed; its goal is to eliminate astigmatism and myopia, not to stop aging.