What is astigmatism?
Do you feel like letters look a bit blurry, as if seen through blotting paper? Do lights appear as halos or streaks? Do you get headaches or eye strain after long periods of focusing?
These symptoms are typical of astigmatism, a vision problem that makes images blurry, whether they are close up or far away. It's caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
What are the symptoms of astigmatism?
Astigmatism is often described as blurry or distorted vision, whether you're looking at something close up or far away. This happens because the cornea (the front surface of the eye) is slightly oval, rather than perfectly round. As a result, light focuses at different points on the retina, causing images to appear unclear. It is often found alongside nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
Surgical Techniques to Correct Astigmatism
Refractive Surgery
La Laser refractive surgery (LASIK, PKR, or SMILE) is now a modern, safe, and effective solution for permanently correcting astigmatism. It is for people who want to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses, by directly reshaping the cornea to refocus light rays onto the retina.
Intraocular Implants
For older patients or those who already have intraocular implants, other solutions may be considered. A complete eye examination is essential to determine the most suitable procedure for your visual profile and ensure personalized and safe care.
Are you eligible for surgery?
Get an eligibility assessment at our center to find out more
Our Refractive Surgery Techniques
Our refractive surgery methods use advanced technology, mainly the Excimer laser. This laser is used to precisely reshape the front surface of your eye, called the cornea. This highly precise laser allows us to gently reshape the cornea to help light focus better on your retina, which effectively corrects astigmatism. We offer several types of procedures.
- ➜ Quick and painless surgery.
- ➜ The standard laser correction technique. It uses an excimer and femtosecond laser.
- ➜ Almost immediate recovery.
- ➜ Suitable for thin corneas.
- ➜ Suitable for physically demanding professions (firefighters, military, etc.) or contact sports.
- ➜ Option to perform a TRANSPKR (100% laser procedure).
- ➜ Can treat presbyopia.
- ➜ Quick and painless surgery.
- ➜ Suitable for people with presbyopia.
- ➜ Almost immediate recovery.
These procedures provide a lasting correction for astigmatism, offering personalized results for each patient. Imagine no longer having to strain to read up close or worrying about eye fatigue after just a few minutes. Thanks to refractive surgery, you can regain clear vision daily and enjoy every moment without visual limitations.
How does the surgeon reshape the cornea during the procedure?
In the case of astigmatism, the vision problem is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which is more oval than round. During the procedure, the surgeon precisely reshapes the most curved areas of the cornea, often found at the edges or along the distorted axes, to make it more spherical.
This targeted reshaping helps restore clear and consistent vision, reducing visual distortions and minimizing bothersome light halos. Using our excimer laser with guided topography, we can detect tiny irregularities, asymmetries, and higher-order optical aberrations (which cause halos and blurriness at night). A customized treatment is then calculated to smooth the cornea, correcting both standard vision issues and the minor deformations that affect overall visual quality.
The main benefit is extreme precision, as the treatment is fully customized to the unique shape of your eye. This results in improved night vision (with fewer halos, reduced sensitivity to light, and less eye strain).
Say goodbye to blurry vision, and enjoy clear sight.
Imagine no longer seeing distorted outlines of objects or lights appearing as bothersome halos. Thanks to refractive surgery, you can correct your astigmatism and enjoy sharp, clear vision.
Regain control of your vision and enjoy a life free from visual discomfort.
FAQ: ASTIGMATISM
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an eye condition that causes blurry and distorted vision.
Instead of light focusing at a single point on the retina, it projects onto two perpendicular focal lines located at different distances. This results in impaired vision, both up close and far away.
This defect is generally due to an irregularity of the cornea, which is more oval than round in shape, disrupting the focusing of images. Astigmatism is often associated with other vision problems such as myopia or hyperopia.
How do I know if I have astigmatism?
You may have astigmatism if...
- Blurry or distorted vision, at all distances.
- Letters appear to smudge or bleed on a page.
- Lights appear as halos or streaks.
- Eye strain and headaches after prolonged visual tasks.
Can astigmatism occur alone, or is it often associated with other vision problems?
Astigmatism can occur alone, but it is frequently associated with other vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, or presbyopia, requiring appropriate correction with glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.
However, certain conditions like keratoconus, retinal diseases, glaucoma, autoimmune diseases, or a progressive cataract may make surgery unsuitable and require specific management.
What are the solutions for correcting astigmatism?
Refractive surgery (LASIK, SMILE, PKR) can correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea's curvature to improve how images are focused.
- LASIK: A quick procedure that uses a Femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap, followed by an Excimer laser to reshape the cornea. It is ideal for correcting mild to moderate astigmatism.
- PKR: A surface technique recommended for patients with thin corneas or those who participate in high-risk activities.
- SMILE: A minimally invasive, latest-generation surgical method that is particularly effective for treating astigmatism combined with myopia or hyperopia..
Is laser eye surgery painful?
This laser treatment is painless thanks to local anesthesia administered via eye drops. You are awake, but will not feel any pain. After the procedure, you might experience slight discomfort:
- A gritty sensation in the eye,
- Watery eyes,
- Light sensitivity.
These effects are normal, temporary, and usually disappear within a few hours to a few days, depending on the technique used.
How long does recovery take?
This depends on the surgical techniques:
- LASIK: Vision is often clear within the first few hours, and you can return to work as early as the next day.
- PRK: Visual discomfort is common for 2 to 3 days, with full recovery within 1 week.
- SMILE: Vision improves gradually, and comfortable reading is restored within a few days.
In all cases, intense physical activities or dusty environments should be avoided for one week. Post-operative follow-up is also scheduled to ensure proper healing and that vision improves as expected.
Can myopia and astigmatism be corrected at the same time?
Refractive surgery can correct:
- Hyperopia,
- Astigmatism,
- Presbyopia,
- Myopia
A single procedure is often enough to treat multiple vision problems, provided you have a healthy cornea and stable vision.
Who can benefit from laser vision correction?
You may be a candidate if:
- You are an adult,
- Your vision correction has been stable for at least one year,
- You have no contraindications (such as keratoconus, very thin cornea, severe dry eyes, etc.)
A complete pre-operative assessment is necessary to confirm eligibility.
Do I need to stop wearing my contact lenses before the surgery?
Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. Here are the recommended waiting times:
- Soft lenses: stop 1 week before the assessment and surgery.
- Rigid or semi-rigid lenses: stop 2 to 3 weeks before.
This ensures reliable measurements for optimal results.
Is the surgery covered by insurance?
It's simple:
- On Doctolib, by choosing an appointment slot with a specialized ophthalmologist.
- By phone, by contacting PHENICIA VISION directly.
- Or by visiting our website.
The preoperative assessment allows us to:
- Measure your visual acuity,
- Assess the health of your cornea and lens,
- Choose the best surgical technique for you.
At Phenicia Vision in Marseille, our team of optometrists and doctors combines ophthalmology expertise with advanced technologies to provide lasting vision correction.
What are the possible risks or side effects?
Side effects are rare, but the risk is always present and most often temporary. These include:
- Dry eyes
- Light sensitivity,
- Halos around lights (especially at night),
- Temporary vision fluctuation.
Good follow-up care and clear communication between the patient and the medical team help anticipate and quickly address any discomfort, and reduce all risks.
How to book an appointment?
Simply book an ophthalmological assessment via Doctolib or by directly contacting a center specializing in refractive surgery. This appointment, conducted with an optometrist or an ophthalmic surgeon, allows us to precisely measure your correction, evaluate the overall health of your eyes, and determine if your myopia has been stable for at least one year.
If no contraindications are detected (such as a cornea that is too thin, keratoconus, or early-stage cataracts) and you meet the eligibility criteria, the ophthalmologist can then suggest an appropriate surgical technique (LASIK, PKR, or SMILE) and schedule the procedure. This initial consultation is essential to ensure personalized care that is safe and tailored to your visual needs and lifestyle. During this assessment, a detailed quote will be provided, including the price of the operation based on the chosen technique.
What are the contraindications for refractive surgery?
Here are some situations where refractive surgery is not recommended:
- Cornea that is too thin,
- Progressive eye conditions (keratoconus, glaucoma, advanced cataracts),
- Unstabilized autoimmune diseases,
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (temporarily),
- Severe untreated dry eye.
In these cases, other options may be suggested by the ophthalmologist to avoid any risk of complications.
Is it possible to have surgery if I've already had cataract surgery or have implants?
It is sometimes possible to undergo secondary refractive surgery (PKR or LASIK) even after implants have been placed, if a residual correction is needed. A thorough examination will help determine:
- The quality of the cornea,
- The type of implant,
- The tear film and the eye's topography.
Can presbyopia and myopia be corrected at the same time?
Yes, particularly with PresbyLASIK or the placement of multifocal implants. This allows you to regain comfortable vision for both near and far without glasses, offering many benefits for people over 40.
In some cases, astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon deems it compatible with the chosen treatment.
Feasibility will depend on your:
- Age,
- Correction,
- Condition of the cornea,
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Is refractive surgery for hyperopia permanent, or can it 'return' over time?
Yes, particularly with PresbyLASIK or the placement of multifocal implants. This allows you to regain comfortable vision for both near and far without glasses, offering many benefits for people over 40.
In some cases, astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon deems it compatible with the chosen treatment.
The feasibility will depend on your:
- Age,
- Correction,
- Condition of the cornea,
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Can I drive or use a screen right after the procedure?
Refractive surgery can permanently correct farsightedness. Once the cornea is reshaped, it maintains its new form over time, allowing for clear vision without glasses or contact lenses for many years.
However, it's important to note that the eye naturally continues to age. After 40-45 years of age, presbyopia may appear, even if farsightedness has been corrected. This change is not a return of farsightedness, but a loss of the lens's ability to focus, which can be corrected by other techniques if necessary.
Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist remain essential to preserve the quality of your vision in the long term.
Can I have the surgery even if I've worn glasses since childhood?
Yes, absolutely. Many farsighted patients have worn glasses since childhood, sometimes with a significant correction. It is entirely possible to have surgery, provided that:
- Your vision correction must have been stable for at least one year,
- Your cornea is sufficiently thick and regular,
- You have no medical contraindications.
The pre-operative consultation will allow us to check all these factors. It is even common for long-term patients to be among the most satisfied, as they rediscover the comfort of natural vision for the first time since childhood.
Is there an age limit for farsightedness surgery?
There is no fixed age limit, but certain areas of caution should be considered:
- Under 20 years old: it is preferable to wait until vision is stable, as farsightedness can still change.
- Between 20 and 45 years old: this is the ideal age range for correction using LASIK or PKR.
- After 45-50 years old: if presbyopia develops, adapted techniques such as PresbyLASIK or multifocal implants are preferred.
For older patients, or those who have already undergone cataract surgery, a supplementary surgery may be offered. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis, after a thorough assessment.
Can I drive or use a screen right after the procedure?
Everything depends on the technique used and individual recovery:
- With LASIK, most patients regain good vision within a few hours and can drive the next day if the ophthalmologist gives their approval.
- With PRK, a more noticeable visual discomfort is present for 2 to 3 days, making driving or prolonged screen use uncomfortable.
- With PresbyLASIK, recovery is also quick, but a slight blur for close vision might last a few days while your brain adjusts to the new vision.
In all cases, a full day of rest is recommended after the operation, and it is best to avoid screens for 24 to 48 hours to limit eye strain. The ophthalmologist will tell you precisely when it is safe to resume your activities.
How much does farsightedness surgery cost, and are payment plans available?
The cost depends on the technique used (LASIK, PKR, or PresbyLASIK) and the type of procedure required. On average, expect to pay:
- Between €2,000 and €2,800 for both eyes at Phenicia Vision
- This price generally includes the pre-operative assessment, the surgery, post-operative care, and follow-up consultations.
This surgery is not covered by social security, but some private health insurance plans reimburse a portion of the costs (around €800 per year depending on the contract).
Are there any risks after laser surgery for astigmatism?
Like any surgery, there are rare but possible risks, such as halos, over or under-correction, or a regression of vision, and abnormal healing (haze/opacification).
What are the post-operative recommendations after laser eye surgery?
It is recommended to avoid rubbing your eye (to prevent dry eye syndrome and delayed healing), limit light exposure, follow the prescribed treatment, and avoid sports, swimming, or makeup around the eye for a few days/weeks.
Who can benefit from refractive surgery?
You may be a candidate for surgery if:
- You are an adult.
- Your vision correction has been stable for at least one year (no variation greater than 0.50 diopter in the last two years).
You do not have any medical conditions that would prevent the surgery, such as:
- Keratoconus,
- Cornea that is too thin,
- Severe dry eyes,
- Retinal diseases (e.g., AMD, retinopathy, degeneration),
- Amblyopia,
- Uveitis,
- Glaucoma,
- Progressive cataracts.
How to book an appointment?
Simply book an ophthalmological assessment via Doctolib or by directly contacting a center specializing in refractive surgery. This appointment, conducted with an optometrist or an ophthalmic surgeon, allows for precise measurement of your vision correction, evaluation of your overall eye health, and determination of whether your myopia has been stable for at least one year.
More specifically, the assessment will allow us to:
The preoperative assessment allows us to:
- Measure your visual acuity.
- Assess the health of your eyes (cornea, lens, retina, tears, and tear glands).
- Examine your eyelids and eye muscles to check for any convergence or accommodation disorders.
- Determine the most suitable surgical technique for your profile.
If no contraindications are detected (such as a very thin cornea, keratoconus, or early-stage cataracts) and you meet the eligibility criteria, the ophthalmologist can then suggest an appropriate surgical technique (LASIK, PKR, or SMILE) and schedule the procedure. This initial consultation is essential to ensure personalized care that is safe and tailored to your visual needs and lifestyle.
During this assessment, you will receive a detailed quote, including the price of the operation based on the chosen technique.
How much does astigmatism surgery cost, and are payment options available?
- Between €2,000 and €2,800 for both eyes at Phenicia Vision.
- This price generally includes the pre-operative assessment, the procedure, post-operative care, and follow-up consultations.
- Payment facilities are available for up to 4 installments (with administrative fees).
- Administrative fees of €145.
This surgery is not covered by Social Security, but some private health insurance providers reimburse a portion of the costs (approximately €800 per year depending on the policy).
