Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are an advanced type of artificial lens used in cataract surgery that can correct for astigmatism (blurry vision) at the same time as they replace a natural cornea that has become clouded by a cataract.
We use the AcrySof Toric lens, which is a single-piece lens uniquely designed to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and appreciably improve distance vision. It can also filter out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
About Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are an advanced type of artificial lens used in cataract surgery that can correct for astigmatism.
Astigmatism is blurry vision caused by the cornea (the clear outer covering of the eye) being shaped more like an egg or a football than a round ball, which is the normal shape. As a result, the eye cannot focus light as it should.
Astigmatism (blurry vision) can accompany nearsightedness or farsightedness. If your glasses or contact lens prescription has three parts to it – for example, -2.75 -1.25 x 90 – it means that your eye doctor has detected an astigmatism.
Toric IOLs correct for the astigmatism at the same time as they replace a natural lens that has become clouded by a cataract.
We use the AcrySof Toric lens, which is a single-piece lens uniquely designed to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and appreciably improve distance vision. It can also filter out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, a valuable feature here in California where sun damage is common.
How a Toric IOL Works
When a patient's natural lens must be surgically removed to eliminate a cataract, the toric IOL replaces it and corrects for astigmatism at the same time.
Astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances) is due to an abnormally shaped eye, and the toric IOL corrects for this by refocusing the light entering the eye so that it will focus in one spot on the back of the eye, as it should.
The Procedure
The procedure for the implantation of the toric IOL goes as follows:
- On the day of your procedure, your surgeon will administer topical anesthesia to minimize discomfort. You may still feel pressure in your eye, but you will not feel pain. You will be awake during the surgery, which eliminates many of the risks and side effects of general anesthesia. If you feel nervous about being awake during the surgery, your doctor can give you a mild sedative to help them relax during the procedure.
- Your doctor will remove the cataract through a small-incision, clear-corneal technique.
- Once the cataract is removed, your doctor will carefully replace your cornea with the toric IOL.
- Once the surgery is completed, your doctor will give you eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. You will continue to use these eye drops for several days after your procedure. In addition, for comfort and protection, the doctor may cover your eye with a patch or shield.
- You will be unable to drive immediately after eye surgery, so it is important that you arrange for transportation home.
Are You a Candidate
You may be a candidate for a toric IOL if you have cataracts and astigmatism (blurry vision).
To determine if a toric IOL is for you, your doctor will perform a thorough exam and review your medical record. People with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control before pursuing this surgery.