A person who has both a cataract and astigmatism will most likely not have quality distance vision without glasses after cataract surgery – unless the astigmatism is corrected as well. The latest surgical options are available to our patients to treat their astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. This allows for the best distance vision outcome for our patients who, up until now, required prescription glasses.
Astigmatism is the result of an abnormally shaped cornea that affects the way light rays focus on the retina. It causes images to be blurry and distorted. By correcting astigmatism, vision is sharper and clearer.
At Eye Surgical Associates we have methods available to treat mild to higher amounts of corneal astigmatism. The most common method is a special type of lens called a Toric lens. The Toric IOL (intraocular lens) is an Advanced Lens technology that offers patients the chance to finally enjoy quality distance vision without glasses or contacts. The Toric IOL is used in place of the traditional lens and is specially designed to offer correction for both astigmatism and cataracts in one easy procedure.
Other methods of astigmatism correction include Corneal Relaxing Incisions done at the same time as cataract surgery or LASIK. After carefully examining your eyes and discussing the options with you, your surgeon will recommend the option he feels is best for you.
Astigmatism correction is an optional package of additional services beyond routine cataract surgery designed to reduce your dependency on glasses after surgery. There are out of pocket charges associated with this service.
