Astigmatism is a common vision condition. It occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round, like a basketball, it may be shaped more like a football. This distortion prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, which leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
In the Philippines, many individuals live with astigmatism without realizing its full impact. It’s often discovered during a routine eye exam, especially in children and working adults experiencing eye strain, headaches, or difficulty seeing clearly at night.
Is Astigmatism a Disease?
No. Astigmatism is not a disease — it is a refractive error, just like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). These are conditions that affect how light enters the eye and how images are formed.
People often confuse “curing” astigmatism with simply correcting it. That’s why it’s important to define what we mean when we ask: “Can astigmatism be cured permanently?”
Causes of Astigmatism
There are several reasons why someone may develop astigmatism:
- Genetics: Many are born with an irregularly shaped cornea.
- Eye Injury: Trauma can alter the shape of the cornea.
- Surgical Impact: Some surgeries on the eye may unintentionally lead to astigmatism.
- Keratoconus: A progressive thinning of the cornea, resulting in severe irregular astigmatism.
Can Astigmatism Go Away on Its Own?
Unfortunately, no. Astigmatism does not resolve without intervention. While its severity may change over time, especially during growth or aging, the underlying corneal irregularity typically remains.
However, it can be effectively managed and, in some cases, corrected permanently through specific treatments.
Non-Surgical Ways to Correct Astigmatism
Let’s begin with the most common and accessible options.
Prescription Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are the safest and most common way to correct astigmatism. They use cylindrical lenses to compensate for the uneven curve of the cornea or lens. This option is widely available, affordable, and ideal for most people.
Contact Lenses
Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to address astigmatism. They sit on the eye in a way that aligns correctly with the curvature issues. Some people prefer contact lenses for aesthetic or practical reasons, especially if they lead active lifestyles.
Note: These methods offer correction, not a cure. The moment one stops using glasses or contact lenses, blurred vision returns.
Surgical Options: The Path to Permanent Correction
If you’re looking for a long-term solution, surgical procedures offer the best results. These are considered for patients with stable eye prescriptions and overall good eye health.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most popular and widely performed laser eye surgery for astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea to allow light to focus properly on the retina.
In the Philippines, LASIK has become more accessible, with reputable centers like Shinagawa offering world-class technology and safety standards.
A clinical study published in Clinical Ophthalmology (2021) showed that over 95% of patients with mild to moderate astigmatism achieved 20/20 vision or better after LASIK.
Advantages:
- Quick recovery time
- Minimal pain or discomfort
- High success rate
- Long-lasting results
TransPRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is a similar laser procedure but without creating a corneal flap. It’s ideal for patients with thinner corneas, which is more common in some Southeast Asian populations.
Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
For patients unsuitable for laser eye surgery, ICLs are surgically placed inside the eye to correct astigmatism. These are removable and do not alter the cornea’s shape.
Is Surgery a Permanent Cure?
Surgery offers long-term correction rather than a cure in the traditional sense.
LASIK, for example, reshapes your cornea permanently. However, vision can still change due to aging, hormonal shifts, or eye health conditions. Some patients may need an enhancement procedure after 10 to 15 years, though this is rare.
In most cases, people who undergo LASIK for astigmatism correction no longer need glasses or contact lenses for many years.
Who Is a Candidate for Permanent Correction?
Not everyone with astigmatism is eligible for laser surgery. You may be a good candidate if:
- You are 18 years old or above
- Your prescription has been stable for at least one year
- Your corneas are thick enough
- You do not have other eye conditions (e.g., cataracts, severe dry eyes)
- You are in good general health
A Comprehensive Eye Screening is the only way to know for sure. That’s why consulting with an expert LASIK surgeon is essential before deciding.
Trust Only Proven Experts for Astigmatism Correction
Astigmatism may be a common refractive error, but it can absolutely be corrected — in fact, permanently — through modern, safe, and effective treatments. Whether you choose eyeglasses, contact lenses, or advanced LASIK surgery, your vision can be dramatically improved.
In the Philippines, Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics stands at the forefront of vision correction. With world-class technology, highly trained LASIK surgeons, and years of trusted experience, Shinagawa offers personalized solutions for every patient.
If you’re ready to explore long-term freedom from blurred vision, start your journey with a comprehensive eye consultation at Shinagawa. Your eyes deserve the best — and at Shinagawa, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
Our commitment to evidence-based information ensures that you receive trustworthy and up-to-date details to make informed decisions about your eye care.
Resources Used in This Article
- Insight Vision Center. “How Astigmatism Gets Better With Proper Treatment, https://www.insightvisionoc.com/general-optometry/how-astigmatism-gets-better-with-proper-treatment“
- Research Gate. “Refractive errors in Filipino eyes in a single-center population, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267326365_Refractive_errors_in_Filipino_eyes_in_a_single-center_population“
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Handling Irregular Astigmatism, https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/handling-irregular-astigmatism“