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Laser eye surgery for corneal curvature – astigmatism

Correct corneal curvature with laser treatment

Eine Frau macht Laufsport nach einer Augenlaser OP bei Hornhautverkrümmung

Laser correction for corneal curvature

Laser correction of corneal curvature (astigmatism) in our eye laser centre in Stuttgart and in the eye laser centre in Karlsruhe is simple, fast and painless.

Astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the cornea. Because of this curvature, incoming light cannot be focused to a sharp point at the centre of the retina – instead, multiple focal lines form. In some cases astigmatism is also referred to as “Stabsichtigkeit”.

To correct corneal curvature (astigmatism, Stabsichtigkeit), an eye laser correction is recommended. Laser treatment can permanently correct the visual impairment.

Laser eye surgery for astigmatism also eliminates the need for contact lenses or glasses, since the cornea is corrected by refractive surgery.

Corneal curvature symptoms

Objects and people both near and far can appear blurred and out of focus to the naked eye. One possible reason is corneal curvature, also called astigmatism or Stabsichtigkeit.

Depending on the severity and intensity of the symptoms, affected people may notice the corneal curvature or may not. If astigmatism is not corrected, it can lead to headaches or burning eyes.

Thanks to sophisticated laser technology, we can put an end to corneal curvature in our ophthalmology practice. Glasses or contact lenses then become unnecessary.

Corneal curvature / Astigmatism symptoms:

Headaches

Sore eyes

Burning eyes

Dizziness

Distorted visual field

Blurred vision, near and far

Back to a better quality of life in 4 steps

Start the suitability test

Take our non-binding online suitability test today to find out which laser procedure is right for you.

Preliminary examinations

Visit us in Stuttgart or Karlsruhe for a preliminary examination. Together we’ll find the ideal laser eye treatment for you.

Laser eye surgery

The treatment is carried out by our experienced ophthalmologists at the laser eye centre in Stuttgart or Karlsruhe and usually takes only about 20 minutes, depending on the method. Afterwards, you can enjoy your improved vision.

Follow-up

After a few days, you’ll typically have full visual acuity. Follow-up checks take place 1 day, 1 week, and 3 months after treatment.

Causes of corneal curvature

With corneal curvature (Stabsichtigkeit), incoming light rays are irregularly refracted by the cornea. As a result, the light is not properly focused and is projected distorted onto the retina. The consequence is distorted vision.

The cause is an irregular bulging of the cornea and the resulting disturbed refractive power. Glasses or contact lenses, even when fitted by an ophthalmologist or optician, only help the eye with astigmatism temporarily.

It should be noted that there are different types of corneal curvature in ophthalmology.

The most common form of corneal curvature is so‑called regular astigmatism. This is one of several variants of corneal curvature.

Corneal curvature can also occur together with nearsightedness and farsightedness, and it can appear with increasing age alongside presbyopia.

In myopia or hyperopia, the refractive error occurs because the eyeball is too long or too short compared with emmetropia (normal vision).

Presbyopia, on the other hand, occurs when the eye can no longer adequately adapt to near and far vision as it ages. Since this is an age‑related change, it is not classified as an eye disease.

Laser treatment for corneal curvature

Thanks to sophisticated laser technology, we can put an end to corneal curvature in our ophthalmology practice. Glasses or contact lenses then become unnecessary.

A corneal curvature can be treated using various eye laser methods. Dr. Liliana Bányai and her experienced team have already performed over 50,000 successful eye laser treatments in Stuttgart. Learn more about eye laser costs.

SMILE® Pro

SMILE® Pro’s advanced, minimally invasive technology provides a life‑changing solution in under 10 seconds!


  • Use: myopia, corneal curvature
  • Duration: 15 – 20 min (the laser step itself takes 10 seconds)
  • Major results through a tiny laser incision

Femto LASIK

The Femto LASIK procedure uses modern laser technology to precisely shape your cornea and give you clear vision.


  • Use: nearsightedness, farsightedness, corneal curvature, presbyopia
  • Duration: 15 – 20 min
  • Effective for almost all corneal types

Eye laser methods for corneal curvature

In our eye laser centre in Stuttgart and in the eye laser centre in Karlsruhe we offer three laser procedures for myopia. Above all, corneal thickness must be evaluated during the pre‑assessment. However, eye laser surgery can also be an option for people with very thin corneas – the right procedure must be chosen. We will help you regain your customary visual acuity:

A correction of corneal curvature or astigmatism can be performed in seconds with state‑of‑the‑art laser devices.

A targeted laser beam treats the cornea within seconds. The astigmatism is corrected and light rays again pass correctly through the eye’s lens onto your retina.

The cornea then becomes thinner and more regular so that incoming light is refracted properly. Glasses and contact lenses are no longer needed.

Your eyes are locally anaesthetised with special eye drops during surgery for corneal curvature. There are two main treatment methods for laser correction of corneal curvature.

Alongside Femto LASIK, the SMILE® Pro method is one of the best and safest treatments in refractive corneal surgery:

Requirements for both procedures for corneal curvature (astigmatism)

  • No pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Eye health: certain pre‑existing conditions may be exclusion criteria
  • Stable vision (diopters, D) for at least one year
  • Minimum age: 18 years

For particularly thin corneas, the Advanced PRK/LASEK method is an alternative to Femto LASIK. The excimer laser works on the surface of the cornea rather than inside it.

Eye lasers in Stuttgart & Karlsruhe at Dr. Liliana‑Iulia Bányai

open – closes in approx. 4 hours

Augenlaserzentrum Bányai Stuttgart

Friedrichstrasse 7 Zeppelin Carré 1st floor,
70174 Stuttgart

+49 711-4009550
Show opening hours

Monday: 08:00-13:00, 14:00-19:00

Tuesday: 08:00-13:00, 14:00-18:30

Wednesday: 08:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00

Thursday: 08:00-13:00, 14:00-19:00

Friday: 08:00-18:00

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

open – closes in approx. 4 hours

Augenlaserzentrum Bányai Karlsruhe

Akademiestraße 49,
76133 Karlsruhe

+49 721-9099920
Show opening hours

Monday: 08:00-18:00

Tuesday: 08:00-18:00

Wednesday: 08:00-18:00

Thursday: 08:00-18:00 or 08:00-16:00 on surgery days

Friday: 08:00-17:00

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Eye laser procedure and experience report

Eye laser testimonial – in the following video you can see Nico Auer from Hitradio antenne1 on his way to a life without glasses. Nico suffered from myopia.

This testimonial shows the entire process from the initial consultation and pre‑operative examination to the laser operation and follow‑up.

A new sense of freedom, without glasses and contact lenses, awaits you!

Nico Auer from Hitradio antenne 1, Tara from bigFM, Sanijel Jakimovski, model Anahita Rehbein, and many other well-known faces trust our expertise.

At Bányai Neue Augen, prominent personalities also trust our precise and safe laser eye treatments. Nico Auer of Antenna 1, for example, had laser treatment for his nearsightedness with us – you can share in his delight in his experience report.

The combination of state-of-the-art technology and the expertise of the team led by Doctor-medic Bányai makes the laser eye centers a renowned choice in Germany.

FAQs — Laser correction of corneal curvature

Is a corneal curvature getting worse?

Corneal curvature can worsen over time. A progression may cause the entire visual field to become blurred. Laser treatment can be a solution. Astigmatism up to 0.5 diopters typically does not require correction.

Can astigmatism regress?

Astigmatism can sometimes improve slightly, but it usually does not simply “grow out.” Annual check‑ups are important to monitor corneal curvature. Other refractive errors such as presbyopia, myopia or hyperopia can also occur in addition.

Corneal curvature in children?

Regular medical checks of visual acuity are especially important for children. If a refractive error occurs, timely treatment is essential. Corneal curvature can occur in children, and usually glasses can correct the refractive error well.

Can I have astigmatism compositus, i.e. corneal curvature with nearsightedness or farsightedness, lasered?

Astigmatism compositus is a combination of corneal curvature and myopia or hyperopia. It is still a form of corneal curvature and can usually be treated with a straightforward eye procedure.

Is laser eye surgery for corneal curvature covered by health insurance?

In rare cases statutory health insurers may cover the costs. In most cases, however, the costs of laser surgery for corneal curvature are not covered because this procedure is considered elective/cosmetic. We do offer financing options. To learn more, it is best to arrange a personal consultation.

Is there a connection between corneal curvature and cataracts?

No. Contrary to common belief, there is no connection between corneal curvature (astigmatism, Stabsichtigkeit) and cataracts. Likewise, there is no connection between corneal curvature and glaucoma (Grüner Star).

When can’t you laser eyes?

Eyes cannot be lasered if the patient is still growing or if the number of diopters is still changing. Certain corneal diseases can also be exclusion criteria for laser surgery.

During the preliminary examination, the eye is also checked for keratoconus (corneal cone).

How can corneal curvature be improved?

Improvement of corneal curvature or astigmatism is only possible through treatment with a laser. Vision aids such as glasses or contact lenses compensate for the corneal problem but are always only temporary. The cornea is corrected by laser so the eye can again see clearly without aids.

How much does it cost to have corneal curvature lasered?

Per eye, prices for treatment of corneal curvature or astigmatism start at about €990. The exact cost cannot be fixed in a flat rate because it varies depending on the refractive error. Costs can be calculated precisely in a personal consultation.

Do I still need contact lenses or glasses after the operation?

No. After laser correction of corneal curvature, contact lenses and glasses usually become unnecessary. Aids such as contact lenses are always only a temporary solution. For corneal curvature, so‑called toric lenses are used. If you want to say goodbye permanently to glasses and contact lenses, laser treatment is recommended to correct the corneal curvature.

Are there risks with the laser intervention for corneal curvature?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks with laser treatment of corneal curvature or astigmatism. For example, in rare cases there is a risk of over‑ or under‑correction of the cornea, which can usually be corrected in a second procedure. These laser operations aim to restore the correct path of light into the eye so it is properly focused on the retina and images are seen sharply again.

To get a detailed assessment of the potential risks for your eyes when correcting corneal curvature, we recommend scheduling a personal consultation. In this appointment we will fully inform you about all risks and side effects.

Reviewed by Doctor-medic Liliana-Iulia Bányai

With over 50,000 successful surgical procedures, the experienced team at Bányai Neue Augen specializes in eye surgery. Thanks to ongoing professional development and training, you can be confident you are in exceptionally competent hands.

Daniel Bányai und Doctor-medic Liliana-Iulia Bányai - rund

Doctor-medic Liliana-Iulia Bányai & Dr. med. Daniel Bányai