Toric Lens

A common eye condition known as an astigmatism often goes undetected because of the minimal effect it has on a patient's vision. Some astigmatisms can lead to blurred or impaired vision if they become 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. In a normal eye the cornea has a circular shape, whereas corneas with an astigmatism have a longer oval shape.

Most astigmatisms do not cause enough impaired vision to warrant surgery and can self correct with contacts or glasses. Only in cases where the astigmatism cannot correct itself and vision becomes too impaired is surgery necessary. Cataract patients who have a pre-existing astigmatism can benefit from a surgical procedure that can correct both the cataract and astigmatism. Cataract patients who suffer from astigmatism can request a Toric IOL to correct their vision without the need of contacts or glasses after surgery.

Over the past decade, doctors have looked for ways to help correct astigmatisms in cataract patients. Surgeons have tried to change the shape of the cornea by making an incision during the cataract surgery. Now, with the creation of the Toric IOLs, vision can be improved or repaired without more surgery. The Toric IOL helps to refocus vision to eye once the natural lens and the cataract have been removed from the patient. The design of the Toric IOL is also used to correct pre-existing astigmatism with the same technology as contact lenses. The Toric IOL has the ability to eliminate a patient's dependence on corrective lenses after they've had cataract surgery.

Patients who have an astigmatic problem and are candidates for cataract surgery can request a Toric IOL to help improve their vision. A Toric IOL can treat both the cataract and astigmatism in one surgical out-patient procedure. If you're interested in learning more about Toric IOLs please contact NeoVision.