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. If you are unsure if have astigmatism please check with your eye doctor.
The Boston Eye Group is pleased to offer Toric IOLs for astigmatism correction after cataract surgery. 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. Surgeons would typically perform refractive surgery or LASIK after the insertion of an IOL to correct the complete visual picture. If patients did 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.
Acrysof IQToric® 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.
Many patients suffer from this common eye condition known as astigmatism. Often this astigmatism can lead to blurred or impaired vision if it becomes moderate or severe. The cause of the blurred and impaired vision is the result of the eye’s cornea or lens having an irregular shape. A normal eye’s cornea and lens have a circular shape whereas an eye with astigmatism has a longer more oval shape.
The AcrySof Toric® corrects for both conditions, cataracts and astigmatism. The Acrysof Toric® IOL is a foldable, single piece lens that is implanted during cataract surgery to replace the clouded lens. The unique design of the AcrySof Toric® IOL makes it possible to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected distance vision. AcrySof Toric lens provides excellent distance vision, independent of eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Clinical Study Data for the Acrysof IQ Toric® IOL:
- 94% of patients achieved uncorrected distance of 20/40 or better
- Improved contrast sensitivity in low-light situations
- significant reduction in both spherical and total high order aberrations
- Improved functional vision in challenging environments such as night driving, glare and fog