What Should I Do to Correct My Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a type of visual impairment commonly associated with irregular curvature of the cornea. Due to uneven curvature of either the cornea or the lens surface within the eye, incoming light rays scatter and fail to converge at a single focal point on the retina—resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Patients should maintain good ocular hygiene in daily life—for instance, avoiding frequent rubbing of the eyes with hands. So, how can astigmatism be corrected or improved? Below, we address this question.

How to Correct or Improve Astigmatism

1. Maintain Proper Posture

Adopting correct sitting posture may help improve astigmatism. In many cases, astigmatism arises from prolonged improper visual habits. Therefore, avoid squinting while reading or working; keep your eyes approximately 30–40 cm away from books or screens; refrain from reading while lying down; and regularly gaze into the distance to help alleviate or prevent progression of astigmatism. Additionally, regular eye massage can significantly aid both prevention and improvement of astigmatism, as well as promote overall eye health. Key acupoints for massage include Tianying (EX-HN10), Jingming (BL1), and Taiyang (EX-HN5).

2. Eye-Rotation Exercises

Prolonged near work often leads to eye fatigue. Cultivating healthy visual habits—including performing eye-rotation exercises—can effectively relieve fatigue and help improve astigmatism. Specific method: Relax your body and keep your head still. Gaze downward, then slowly rotate your eyes leftward, followed by upward gaze. Repeat this sequence continuously to strengthen the eyelid and extraocular muscles and thereby improve astigmatism.

3. Surgical Correction

For patients with severe astigmatism, surgical intervention may be recommended. Laser refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK or SMILE) can effectively correct astigmatism. However, such procedures should always be performed under professional medical guidance to ensure safety and optimal outcomes. Alternatively, specialized contact lenses—including rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses—may be used to reshape the corneal surface gradually. Furthermore, routine gentle cleansing of the eyes helps remove harmful particles and dust, potentially improving refractive errors including astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia.

The above outlines practical approaches to correcting or improving astigmatism. We hope this information proves helpful to you.