Can myopia combined with astigmatism be corrected surgically?

　　Astigmatism and myopia are common manifestations of refractive errors. Mild astigmatism and myopia typically have minimal impact on visual acuity; however, without proper correction and management, the conditions may progressively worsen—developing into moderate or high astigmatism and myopia—which can not only impair vision but also significantly affect daily life and work performance. So, can surgery be performed for patients with both myopia and astigmatism?

　　Can surgery be performed for myopia combined with astigmatism?

　　Yes, surgical correction is possible for patients with both myopia and astigmatism—but specific criteria regarding the severity of refractive error must be met. Generally, myopia should be less than −12.00 diopters (D), and astigmatism should be less than −6.00 D to ensure optimal postoperative outcomes. Prior to surgery, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation is essential. For pediatric and adolescent patients, surgical intervention is generally not the first-line option; instead, corrective measures such as spectacles or rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are recommended initially. In adult patients, contraindications—including corneal scarring, keratoconus, glaucoma, retinal degeneration, and other ocular pathologies—must be carefully ruled out to avoid suboptimal visual improvement following surgery.

　　Regular medical refraction enables accurate assessment of the degree of myopia and astigmatism, facilitating selection of appropriate lenses and frames to fabricate customized corrective eyewear. Contact lenses are available in two main types—rigid (hard) and soft—and the optimal choice is determined based on the precise refractive measurements obtained during medical refraction, followed by trial fitting to effectively correct both myopia and astigmatism.

　　Patients should also engage in outdoor activities under natural sunlight, focusing on distant objects, which supports healthy ocular development and helps prevent progression of astigmatism. We hope this information proves helpful to you.