Can I have laser surgery for myopia with astigmatism?

In general, individuals with myopia combined with astigmatism can undergo laser surgery.

Laser surgery adjusts the curvature of the cornea to correct refractive errors, thereby achieving the purpose of correcting myopia and astigmatism. However, patients must be at least 18 years old, as the eyes of adolescents under 18 have not fully developed and their myopic refractive error is usually unstable, making them unsuitable for laser surgery. Myopia generally ranges from 100 to 1200 diopters, although some sources suggest up to 1500 diopters may be treatable. The exact degree of correction depends on corneal thickness. Astigmatism is typically less than 600 diopters.

Corneal thickness is an important factor in determining surgical suitability, as laser treatment primarily involves reshaping the corneal stroma. If the cornea is too thin, it may not withstand the tissue ablation during surgery, and postoperative complications such as secondary corneal ectasia or keratoconus may occur. Patients must also be free from ocular diseases such as ocular inflammation, infection, dry eye syndrome, or autoimmune disorders.

Prior to surgery, doctors will perform a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity testing, refraction assessment, corneal topography, intraocular pressure measurement, cycloplegic refraction, and fundus examination, to fully evaluate the ocular condition, determine surgical suitability, and select the appropriate surgical approach. Postoperative care and regular follow-up examinations are also important. Additionally, patients should fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedure in order to make an informed decision.