Is Permanent Astigmatism Correction Possible?
Discover permanent solutions for astigmatism with Harley Vision in London. Expert surgeons, advanced laser & lens options for clear, lasting vision.
Astigmatism can be a daily hassle, causing blurry vision and constant frustration with glasses or contact lenses. But what if there was a permanent way to achieve clear, stable sight? This article explores how modern eye surgery offers lasting solutions for astigmatism, including for complex cases, and why Harley Vision is the leading choice for permanent astigmatism correction in London.
What is Astigmatism? 👁️
Astigmatism is a very common eye condition where your eye’s main focusing surface, the cornea (the front window of your eye), isn’t perfectly round. Instead, it’s shaped more like a rugby ball. This causes light to bend unevenly, leading to blurred, hazy, or distorted vision at all distances.
Typical symptoms include:
- Blurry vision, especially at a distance
- Eye strain and headaches from squinting
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Distorted shapes and lines
If left uncorrected, astigmatism can significantly impact your daily life, from reading a book to driving at night.
Regular vs. Irregular Astigmatism: Why It Matters 🤔
Understanding your type of astigmatism is key to finding the right treatment:
- Regular Astigmatism: This is the most common form. It’s often corrected with glasses, contacts, or standard surgical procedures.
- Irregular Astigmatism: This is a more complex condition caused by a damaged or uneven cornea, often from a corneal scar, eye injury, a condition called keratoconus, or previous surgery.
It requires more advanced, personalised treatments.
Can Astigmatism Be Corrected Permanently? 🎯
Yes, in most cases, astigmatism can be corrected with a permanent or very long-term solution. While glasses and contact lenses only provide a temporary fix, surgical treatments can reshape or replace parts of your eye to correct the root cause of the blur. The best option for you depends on your age, prescription, lifestyle, and overall eye health.
Permanent Solutions for Astigmatism
For Regular Astigmatism
- Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK, SMILE, LASEK/PRK): These procedures use a laser to precisely reshape the cornea, correcting its irregular curve. They’re a highly effective and popular choice for a permanent result.
- Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL): A small, biocompatible lens is safely placed inside your eye to correct astigmatism and other high prescriptions. This is a great option if you’re not a good candidate for laser surgery.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) / Lens replacement surgery: For patients over 50, we can replace your eye’s natural lens with a premium intraocular lens (IOL) that corrects astigmatism and removes your need for reading glasses.
- Toric IOLs during Cataract Surgery: If you have cataracts, a toric IOL can correct both astigmatism and the cataract in a single, life-changing procedure.
For Complex Irregular Astigmatism
At Harley Vision, we specialize in treating cases that other clinics might turn away. For irregular astigmatism, we offer bespoke, advanced procedures including:
- Topography-Guided Laser Treatments: Using a detailed 3D map of your unique cornea, we use this advanced laser technique to smooth out complex irregularities, achieving clear vision that was previously impossible.
- PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy): A special type of laser treatment to remove corneal scars and smooth the surface.
- Corneal Procedures (like CAIRS): Advanced surgical techniques used to strengthen and reshape the cornea, particularly for conditions like keratoconus.
Why Choose Harley Vision? Your Path to Clear Vision 💯
- Extensive Range of Treatments: We offer the widest choice of astigmatism treatments in London, ensuring you get a truly personalized solution, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Next-Gen Technology: We use the SCHWIND AMARIS laser system with advanced 7D eye tracking for unparalleled precision. This technology is crucial for our wavefront technology laser procedures, which are a game-changer for irregular astigmatism.
- World-Class Surgeons: Our clinic is led by expert refractive and corneal surgeons with years of experience in treating complex astigmatism, ensuring your safety and best possible outcome.
- Detailed, Personalised Assessments: Before any procedure, we perform a thorough eye health check and detailed corneal mapping to confirm you’re a good candidate and to tailor the treatment perfectly to your eyes.
- Lifetime Aftercare: We provide dedicated aftercare and long-term monitoring to ensure your results last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Permanent Astigmatism Correction
In most cases, yes. Surgical treatments such as LASIK, SMILE, LASEK/PRK, ICL implantation, and lens replacement (RLE) can permanently correct or significantly reduce astigmatism by reshaping the cornea or replacing the internal lens. Once corrected, the results are long-lasting, though natural age-related eye changes may still occur over time.
The ideal treatment depends on your type of astigmatism (regular vs. irregular), your prescription, age, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
- Regular astigmatism often responds well to laser procedures like LASIK or SMILE.
Irregular astigmatism, often from keratoconus or corneal scars, may need topography-guided laser, PTK, or CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments).
Yes. Laser eye surgery for astigmatism has an excellent safety record when performed by an experienced refractive surgeon using advanced technology such as the SCHWIND AMARIS 7D eye tracker used at Harley Vision. Every patient undergoes comprehensive screening to ensure suitability and safety.
If laser surgery isn’t suitable, you may still be eligible for ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). These are minimally invasive procedures offering permanent correction even for high prescriptions or thin corneas.
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours after laser eye surgery. Recovery after lens-based procedures (ICL or RLE) is usually within a few days to a week. Vision continues to improve as the eyes stabilise, and most people resume normal activities within a week.
Most patients achieve freedom from glasses for distance vision. However, patients over 45 may still need reading glasses unless they choose multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lenses during lens surgery.
Once corrected, astigmatism rarely returns. However, subtle changes in the cornea or natural lens can occur with age or eye conditions. Harley Vision provides lifetime aftercare to monitor and maintain your long-term visual results.
Harley Vision combines advanced diagnostics, next-generation laser technology, and leading UK corneal and refractive surgeons to deliver tailored, precise results — even for complex or irregular astigmatism. Each patient receives a bespoke treatment plan and continuous aftercare.
Prices vary depending on the treatment type and complexity. A personalised quote is provided after your detailed consultation and assessment. Harley Vision offers transparent pricing and finance options for eligible patients.
You can easily book your consultation through Harley Vision’s website or by contacting our London clinic directly. During your visit, we’ll assess your eyes, confirm your suitability, and explain your best options for clear, lasting vision.
HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS: Harley Vision reviews
Our patients consistently share their positive experiences at Harley Vision. Here are a few examples from Trustpilot:
- I recently had ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) surgery on the 30th of July, and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the first consultation with Dr Bizrah to my follow-up appointments, the ophthalmology team was incredibly professional, reassuring, and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain every step of the procedure and made sure I felt comfortable and confident throughout the process.
The surgery itself went smoothly, and my vision has been amazing since. It truly feels like a life-changing experience — no more struggling with contact lenses or glasses! I’m so grateful to Dr Bizrah and the whole team for their outstanding care and expertise.
I highly recommend this clinic to anyone considering vision correction surgery. His skill, kindness, and attention to detail make all the difference (Emma, London).
- Contrary to the common belief that glasses provide the best visual detail, my experience with ICL has been revelatory. I have never seen colours so vibrant or details so crystal clear in my entire life. The visual quality surpasses anything I experienced with corrective lenses, providing sharp, high-definition vision both day and night. My astigmatism was corrected and night time driving is no longer an issue for me, as the lights used to cause concern when driving.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this clinic to anyone considering vision correction surgery. The combination of cutting-edge technology, skilled professionals, and outstanding patient care creates an environment where life-changing results are not just possible, but expected. For anyone with high myopia or those who aren’t suitable candidates for LASIK, ICL offers an incredible alternative that has truly transformed my quality of life. (Shelly, London)
Book Your astigmatism correction consultation in London Today
If glasses or contact lenses are affecting your daily life, there’s no need to wait. Experience state-of-the-art vision correction surgery in London with Harley Vision. Book your assessment today and start your journey toward clearer vision and a brighter future.
📍 Location: Central London locations including Harley Street
📞 UK: 0207 030 3181
🌍 International: +44 207 030 3181
📧 Email: [email protected]