Correction of Astigmatism
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism (incorrectly referred to as “a stigmatism” by some patients ) is a common condition that may cause blurred vision. The distorted vision is due to the eye’s cornea (corneal astigmatism) or lens (lenticular astigmatism) having an irregular shape.
The cornea and lens of a perfectly shaped eye have a smooth circular surface, like a ball. With astigmatism, the cornea or the lens will have more of an oblong, football-like shape.
Levels of Astigmatism – Is Eye Surgery Needed?
A very common eye condition, astigmatism does not always require corrective lenses. Many people have some degree of astigmatism, but a minor level astigmatism is normal and requires no correction. Even if a person needed cataract surgery and had a minor degree of astigmatism, a toric IOL would probably not be necessary.
Blurred or distorted vision is typically experienced by patients with moderate or high degrees of astigmatism. These patients can correct for the vision problem through the use of contact lenses or corrective eyeglasses or through refractive surgery. Patients with blurred vision need to meet with an ophthalmologist to have a comprehensive eye examination.
Astigmatic patients with cataracts, however, can request the use of toric IOLs during their lens replacement surgery. The ACRYSOF and STAAR Toric IOL are ideal for cataract patients with regular, pre-existing astigmatism.
Acrysof Toric
The Acrysof Toric intraocular lens was developed for patients with a significant natural astigmatism. When having cataract surgery, a traditional lens can address issues of myopia and hyperopia, but astigmatism will still exist and will ultimately distort a patient’s vision, even after surgery. It is good to always keep in mind that cataract surgery is not the same as refractive surgery. Cataract surgery will not guarantee a life without glasses. It is likely though that after cataract surgery a patient will not be nearly as dependent on glasses as they were before surgery. If you have a significant amount of astigmatism, it would be optimal to consider this Acrysof Toric intraocular lens. This particular lens is able to correct multiple visual compromises in conjunction with astigmatism. It is made with the same safe material as the traditional Acrysof intraocular lens, that has been implanted in over 25 million eyes since 1991. The second generation Acrysof Toric IQ provides Proven aspheric technology that reduces spherical and higher order aberrations. The IQ offers patients increased contrast sensitivity and improved functional vision in challenging environments.
STAAR Toric
The STAAR Toric IOL is a revolutionary, single-piece foldable lens that Dr. Bosem implants in your eye during cataract surgery. It is specially designed to correct astigmatism, and help you regain quality vision. The STAAR Toric IOL is the only toric lens made from silicone, a stable, non-toxic and flexible material the human eye comfortably welcomes. Studies show this silicone lens provides greater optical performance and higher quality vision than acrylic lenses, with fewer “aberrations” – distortions in vision that lead to blurring, glare or halos.
Differences can be seen in a comparison of vision with silicone and acrylic lens material.
These exclusive properties of the STAAR Toric IOL make it possible for Dr. Bosem to eliminate or reduce astigmatism during cataract eye surgery and recapture your quality of vision simply and safely.
A randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study conducted by STAAR Surgical Company has demonstrated that the implantation of the STAAR Toric IOL is associated with clinically significant reduction in astigmatism as compared to implantation of a non-toric IOL during cataract eye surgery for astigmatic patients.
If you are an astigmatic cataract patient, the STAAR Toric IOL may be the right intraocular choice for you.
The toric IOL has the capability to provide freedom from corrective lenses after cataract surgery.
A Toric IOL: May be the Single Best Option for Correcting Cataracts and Astigmatism
The surgery to remove cataracts is an outpatient procedure, and involves replacing the clouded natural lens with an artificial one. However, if you also have an astigmatism you may still experience blurred or distorted vision, since the lens typically implanted during ordinary cataract surgery cannot correct this secondary condition.
Astigmatic patients who are planning cataract surgery can request the use of a Toric IOL during their lens replacement – treating the cataract and the astigmatism at the same time. The Toric IOL is ideal for cataract patients with regular, pre-existing astigmatism. It has been used safely and effectively in a countless number of procedures.
Open your eyes to quality vision today
The Toric IOL may be the single best solution for providing quality vision to patients with cataracts and astigmatism. It is the first such lens to be approved by the FDA for its effectiveness, safety and reliability.
If you have a cataract, ask your doctor if a Toric IOL can also help you eliminate your astigmatism, allowing you to recapture quality vision – and a hassle-free, spontaneous lifestyle.