Toric Astigmatism Lens Implants
What Are Toric Intraocular Lens Implants?
There is an exciting new type of lens called a toric intraocular lens (IOL) that is able to correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is the most common vision problem and causes blurry vision at all distances. Usually it is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, although it can also be caused by an irregularly shaped lens. People with mild astigmatism may not even be aware of the problem.
Until the late 1990s, intraocular lenses were not able to correct astigmatism. The FDA approved the first toric lens specifically to treat astigmatism in 1998. A second toric intraocular lens was approved in 2005. If you are astigmatic and have a cataract, this intraocular lens provides you with another excellent option to improve your vision.
During your consultation, cataract examination and cataract surgery scheduling, you will help select the most appropriate lens for you. By reviewing your daily activities and hobbies and assessing the degree to which you want to be independent of glasses, you and your surgeon will select the best lens for you. You may also be asked to complete a preference questionnaire prior to your evaluation, which will help you consider what is most important to you.
Since each type of lens offers different benefits, our cataract surgeons and their staff will discuss their recommendations with you based upon your overall objectives. Two toric lenses used by our cataract surgeons at Kadrmas Eye Care New England are:
- TECNIS SYMFONY® TORIC IOL: This is a multifocal lens that addresses astigmatism and offers extended range or depth of focus. It provides a continuous, full range of vision from near to far.
- TENCIS® TORIC IOL: This lens is made specifically for astigmatism correction and sharp vision. It corrects high levels of astigmatism at the time of cataract removal and provides good distance vision. It does not correct intermediate or near vision, so glasses may still be needed to see well at all distances.
Toric intraocular lenses are designed for patients who have a significant degree of astigmatism, something that affects up to 20 percent of cataract patients. If you have minor astigmatism, it may not require correction.
In the past, surgeons performing traditional cataract surgery would make incisions in the cornea to alter its shape during cataract removal to correct astigmatism. However, for many patients undergoing traditional cataract surgery today, the unique shape of toric lenses reduces or corrects astigmatism without further surgery. This lens can treat up to 3.5 diopters of pre-existing astigmatism and applies the principles that have been successfully used in contact lenses to intraocular lenses.
For patients undergoing all-laser cataract surgery, astigmatism may be correctable during surgery.
For patients undergoing all-laser cataract surgery, astigmatism may be correctable during surgery.