Toric IOLs for Astigmatism

If you have been told that you have developing cataracts and you also have astigmatism new premium lens implant options are available to help minimize your need for glasses after surgery.


Astigmatism Definition

Astigmatism is a refractive error where people are unable to see objects clearly from a distance or up close. Astigmatism is asymmetric steepening of the cornea or natural lens that causes light to be focused unevenly. Astigmatism may occur in varying degrees in each eye and can accompany myopia or hyperopia. To individuals with uncorrected astigmatism, images may look blurry or shadowed. Astigmatism can accompany any form of refractive error and is very common

The recent advancements in Intraocular Lens (IOL) technology have now made it possible to provide an effective solution for patients that have astigmatism. Until recently, patients that were IOL candidates and had astigmatism, had no option built into the lens, which would correct the astigmatism aspect of their visual condition. Patients would typically need glasses after cataract surgery.  We are pleased to offer Toric IOLs for Astigmatism correction after cataract surgery. If patients do not have astigmatism correction after IOL implantation then contacts or glasses would be required to deal with the astigmatism. With advancements in the optics of IOLs the manufacturers have now been able to accommodate for astigmatism. Toric IOL technology uses biocompatible materials that have been successfully used in contact lenses and proven safe for the eye. There is an additional cost for this lens implant and for astigmatic treatment not covered by your insurance. If you have a very small amount of astigmatism your doctor may suggest treating this with a small relaxing incision.

If you are seeking Astigmatism correction please feel free to contact us to schedule an eye exam.

FDA Results (reported by Ocular Surgery News)

  • AcrySof toric IOLs reduced the absolute residual astigmatism
  • Patients were two times more likely to achieve <0.5 D residual refractive cylinder with a toric IOL than with a monofocal implant
  • The mean absolute residual refractive cylinder for patients receiving a toric IOL was approximately 0.6 D vs. nearly 1.25 D for patients receiving the control IOL.
  • At 1 year postoperative, more than 50% of patients receiving a toric IOL had less than 0.5 D of cylinder, compared to nearly 25% of patients receiving the control IOL.
  • Of the patients who received toric IOLs, 92% achieved an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/40 or better.
  • Sixty-one percent of patients who received a toric IOL in one eye achieved good distance vision without the use of spectacles; 97% of patients who received a toric IOL bilaterally were spectacle independent