Q: I have both astigmatism and cataracts that are visually significant. I heard that there is an advanced technology lens that can be used during cataract surgery to help correct this astigmatism. What can you tell me about this lens?
A: Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside your eye and are a natural part of aging. Cataracts prevent light and images from reaching the retina and objects can become blurred, colors become dull, and seeing at night is more difficult. Astigmatism is a common type of refractive error that occurs when the cornea of the eye is shaped more like a football rather than spherical like a basketball. Astigmatism causes images to be out of focus and fine detail is lost.
Although cataracts and astigmatism are separate vision issues, the good news is that with today’s technology, you can correct both issues at once during cataract surgery. Corneal astigmatism can be corrected during cataract surgery by implanting a Toric Intraocular lens (IOL), corneal arcuate incisions, or a combination of both. Additionally, advanced technology such as the LenSx femtosecond laser and the ORA Intraoperative refractive analysis system offers customized options to correct and refine astigmatism and help provide enhanced visual outcomes.
The Toric IOL is an implantable lens with a special design that provides precise astigmatism correction so that patients have the potential for clear, sharp distance vision, often with significantly reduced dependence on glasses or contacts, and enhanced image quality and detail as well. Toric IOLs are best for treating moderate to severe astigmatism.
A recent advancement in Toric IOLs is the new Multifocal Toric IOL. This innovative IOL is designed to provide both enhanced quality for astigmatism and a full range of vision for both near and far giving cataract patients with astigmatism the best opportunity to be significantly less dependent on glasses.
ORA, the intra-operative laser for lens power and placement, helps confirm for the surgeon that the IOL implant is the correct power and, in the case of Toric lenses, precisely oriented for optimum performance. For lesser degrees of astigmatism, the LenSx laser may be the only option necessary for astigmatism correction. This advanced technology femtosecond laser makes specifically programmed incisions in the cornea enabling the surgeon to help reduce corneal astigmatism.
Talk with your eye doctor about all the options for your cataract surgery including IOL choice and advanced surgery techniques. Depending on your lifestyle and the anatomy of your eyes, a Toric IOL or Multifocal Toric IOL may be the right option for you. Cataract surgery today, one of the safest and most often performed procedures, coupled with the Toric IOL, can help those with both astigmatism and cataracts to see the world more clearly than ever before.