Astigmatism-Correcting Intraocular Lens Implants

Astigmatism-correct Toric lens implants are an exceedingly useful option for those seeking both astigmatism and cataract treatment.

Not too long ago, the intraocular lenses (IOLS) implanted during cataract surgery were simply not up to the task of correcting astigmatism. Today, choosing and intraocular lens for astigmatism means that you can have clear, sharp distance vision and a reduced dependency on glasses or contacts.

Need help finding the lens that’s right for your eyes? Schedule an appointment with the Eye Center of Texas. Our doctors have years of experience helping each patient find the IOL that can lead to clearest, brightest vision. And check out our other posts if you’re curious about how to choose a cataract surgeon or find yourself asking, “Wait… what is a cataract?”

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism occurs when your eye isn’t as spherical as is needed for light rays to focus and create crisp and clear images. Many people have astigmatism, with varying degrees of vision disturbance. Astigmatism-correcting Toric lens implants have been instrumental in providing clearer vision from cataract patients who also have astigmatism.

Learn more about astigmatism by watching this informative video:

Can astigmatism be corrected by cataract surgery?

Yes and no. An experienced eye surgeon can correct or partially correct astigmatism during laser cataract eye surgery through a procedure called limbal relaxing incisions (LRI). Surgeons performing LRI use a 3D image made of the eye to create incisions that help correct any of the derivations in an eye’s curvature.

However, LRI can only correct very minor astigmatism. In order to fully address astigmatism in your Houston cataract surgery, you will likely need to opt for the implantation of an intraocular lens for astigmatism.

What are Toric lens implants?

Special astigmatism-correcting Toric lens implants (also called Toric IOLs) can be used to correct your astigmatism while simultaneously replacing your cataract clouded natural lenses.   

How do Toric lenses correct astigmatism?

The means by which you can have your cataracts removed while simultaneous having your natural lenses replaced by Toric lenses is similar to other types of cataract surgery. There are some differences in a cataract surgery that’s implanting a Toric lens as opposed to a ReSTOR multifocal intraocular lens or a monofocal lens.

These differences stem from the demands astigmatism places on lenses in order for those lenses to actually be successful in correcting vision.

Astigmatism-correcting Toric lens implants have different strengths, or “powers” on different parts of each lens to account for the varying amount of eyesight issue across the surface of an eye with astigmatism.

In order for these varying powers to line up with the parts of the eyes that they are meant to help, Toric IOLS are marked to help the surgeon know each lenses’ orientation.

Can an intraocular lens be removed and replaced?

While surgeons can remove and replace IOLs (including Toric IOLs) the vast majority of cataract patients do not need adjustments after cataract eye surgery. Most patients who select an intraocular lens for astigmatism no longer need glasses, with more than 9 out of 10 achieving distance vision of 20/40 or better.

How long does an intraocular lens last?

Astigmatism correcting Toric lens implants and other IOLs may not come with a “lifetime guarantee,” but ophthalmologists typically expect for IOLs to last for a lifetime. IOL replacement is very rare.

Eye Center of Texas: experience you can trust

At Eye Center of Texas, our years of experience combined with our advanced cataract surgical technology make us one of the best places to receive cataract surgery and lens replacement in Houston.

See your way to clearer vision. Contact us today at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online.

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• How to Avoid Cataracts
• How to Prevent Cataracts

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