Does lens replacement fix astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism and are considering lens replacement surgery, you may be wondering:
“Will it fix my astigmatism?”

The answer is: Yes—lens replacement can absolutely correct astigmatism with the right type of lens.

In this blog, we’ll explain what astigmatism is, how lens replacement treats it, and what kind of results you can expect.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism happens when the surface of your eye (the cornea) or your natural lens isn’t perfectly round. Instead of a sphere, it’s shaped more like a rugby ball.

This causes light to focus unevenly in the eye, leading to:

• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Eyestrain or headaches
• Difficulty with night driving
• Frequent changes in your glasses prescription

It’s very common—and correctable.

How does lens replacement work?

In lens replacement surgery, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).

If you have astigmatism, we use a toric lens—designed specifically to correct that rugby-ball shape and focus light accurately onto the retina.

What is a toric lens?

A toric IOL is shaped to correct astigmatism. It neutralises the uneven curve of the cornea so that light focuses properly.

Toric lenses:

• Provide sharper vision
• Reduce or eliminate the need for glasses for distance
• Work whether your astigmatism is mild, moderate, or high

Will I need glasses after surgery?

Many patients with toric lenses enjoy excellent distance vision without glasses.

You might still choose to wear light glasses for reading or very fine work—depending on the type of lens you choose (monofocal vs. multifocal/trifocal).

But in terms of correcting astigmatism—yes, lens replacement with a toric IOL is very effective.

How does this compare to laser eye surgery?

Laser surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) can also treat astigmatism by reshaping the cornea.

However, for people over 45, lens replacement offers a more permanent solution, because it:

• Corrects distance and near vision
• Prevents cataracts later in life
• Doesn’t rely on corneal shape alone

In short: for older adults, lens replacement often provides longer-lasting results—and is especially helpful for stronger prescriptions or those not suitable for laser.

How do we plan for astigmatism correction?

At Mitry Vision, your pre-surgery assessment includes:

• Detailed corneal scans
• Astigmatism mapping
• Personalised measurements for IOL placement

Careful planning is key to getting the best result.

Is lens replacement a good option if I have high astigmatism?

Yes—toric lenses are available in a wide range of powers and can correct even strong astigmatism.

If you’ve struggled with thick lenses in your glasses or high-prescription contacts, lens replacement could give you much greater freedom.

What if I’ve been told I’m not suitable for laser?

Many people with thin corneas, irregular corneas, or dry eyes aren’t good candidates for laser eye surgery.

Lens replacement is a great alternative because it works from inside the eye and doesn’t involve reshaping the cornea.

Summary: Can lens replacement fix astigmatism?

• Yes—with a toric lens
• It provides long-term correction for distance vision
• Works well for mild, moderate, or high astigmatism
• Also prevents cataracts later in life
• Often the best choice for adults over 45

Take our free self-test to see if lens replacement could fix your astigmatism and help you enjoy clearer vision.