A global optimizing method using pointwise directional curvature compensation which can reduce the undesirable astigmatism is proposed. The calculation formula of normal curvature at arbitrary direction is deducted and the method is proposed to determine the principal curvature and principal direction. The principal curvature difference and the directions of the maximum and minimum curvature of the initial progressive addition lens are calculated. The optimizaiton method can reduce the astigmatism by adding the freeform surface consisting of micro cylinders with different curvatures and different directions. The optimization algorithm and an example are given. An initial progressive addition lens and an optimized lens by this method are manufactured and tested. Compared with the initial lens, the optimized lens has smaller maximum astigmatism value and larger clear region in the distance-vision zone.