Astigmatism is a problem where the cornea is shaped like a football instead of a basketball. This uneven shape bends light rays so they do not focus precisely on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. Until recently, correcting astigmatism meant placing tiny incisions at the edge of the cornea. These incisions, known as LRIs (short for limbal relaxing incisions), caused the cornea to heal in a more spherical shape. Now, instead of additional surgery, cataract patients have another option – the Toric Intraocular Lens.
This implant is specially designed to incorporate astigmatism correction, eliminating the need for additional LRIs in many cases. That means an even faster, more comfortable recovery than ever before.
The Toric IOLs are artificial lenses implanted in the eye to restore vision after a clouded natural lens (cataract) is removed. The FDA approved the AcrySof Toric IOL by Alcon in September 2005.
The lens of the IOL is convex on both sides (biconvex) and made of a soft plastic that can be folded prior to insertion, allowing placement through an incision smaller than the optic diameter of the lens. After surgical insertion into the eye, the lens gently unfolds to restore vision. The supporting arms (haptics) provide for proper positioning of the IOL within the eye.
The ACRYSOF® Toric IOLs are used in adult patients with corneal astigmatism who have undergone cataract removal. Its optic is shaped to provide both spherical and astigmatic correction. The results of the clinical trials with the Acrysof toric lens suggest that it will eliminate most or all of your astigmatism, depending on the amount of astigmatism you have.
Call our office TODAY at 323-937-2269 to schedule consultation with Dr. Kagan to find out which procedure is best for you!
