# Astigmatism

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/astigmatism

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-11

> **Summary:** Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is not evenly curved, so light cannot focus on a single point on the retina and vision is blurred or distorted at every distance. Glasses and contact lenses correct it temporarily; laser eye surgery (LASIK, PRK, LASEK) aims to remove it permanently by reshaping the cornea.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation Duration:** 5-10 Minutes
- **Recovery Time:** 1 Day
- **Anaesthesia Type:** Topical Eye Drops

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## What Causes Astigmatism?
It is usually congenital and often genetic, but can also develop from corneal surface irregularities or eye injuries. When the cornea loses its ideal curvature, light is refracted unevenly on the retina. Natural corneal changes later in life can worsen it.

## How Does an Astigmatic Eye See?
- Blurred vision at both near and far distances; difficulty with straight lines and small details.
- Halos or light scattering around lights when driving at night.
- Headaches and eye fatigue when reading or focusing without glasses or lenses.

## Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Eye fatigue and frequent eye rubbing
- Headaches, especially around the eyes
- Stinging or itching in the eyes
- Unclear vision at far or near distances
- Difficulty reading or using a computer

## Treatment
- **Glasses or contact lenses:** Focus light properly on the retina; not a permanent treatment.
- **Laser eye surgery (LASIK, PRK, LASEK):** For a permanent improvement, the cornea is reshaped to remove astigmatism.

**Suitability by prescription:**
- **ReLEx SMILE PRO:** Myopia up to −10.00
- **iLASIK (Femto-LASIK):** Myopia up to −10.00; hyperopia up to +5.00
- **LASEK / PRK (No Touch):** Myopia up to −6.00; hyperopia up to +3.00

## Cost
The method and cost depend on age, severity of astigmatism and general health; the ophthalmologist chooses after a comprehensive examination, matching personal needs and lifestyle.

## Understanding Your Prescription
A prescription is usually valid for two years.
- **Sphere (SPH):** Main correction; minus (−) for distance difficulty, plus (+) for near difficulty; larger number means stronger prescription.
- **Cylinder (CYL):** The astigmatism correction, the extra power that corrects blur in one direction; blank means no astigmatism.
- **Axis:** Direction of the astigmatism, an angle between 0 and 180 degrees, telling which way the cylinder is applied.
- **Addition (ADD):** Extra near power, usually needed after 40.
- **Prism:** For eye alignment; only with double vision or squint.