Toric IOLs

Correct cataracts and astigmatism with one procedure

For cataract patients who also have astigmatism, Toric IOLs (Intraocular Lenses), offer a chance to finally enjoy quality distance vision without glasses or contact lenses. Toric IOLs are specially designed to offer correction for both cataracts and astigmatism in one easy procedure.

Astigmatism

A person who has both a cataract and astigmatism will very likely not have high-quality distance vision without glasses after cataract surgery unless the astigmatism is corrected as well.

Traditional treatment for astigmatism includes glasses and toric contact lenses. However, some people find glasses and contact lenses inconvenient or uncomfortable. These individuals may consider surgical options to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts.

Surgical options for correcting astigmatism include LASIK and limbal relaxing incisions. These procedures all involve altering the shape of the cornea. If you are planning to have cataract surgery, a toric IOL allows you to correct your astigmatism at the same time without additional surgery.

After carefully examining your eyes and discussing the options with you, your surgeon will recommend the option he believes is best for you.
 

The AcrySof® Toric Lens

Cataract surgery is a quick, outpatient procedure where a surgeon removes the eye’s clouded natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens (the IOL mentioned above). If you have astigmatism, however, you may still have blurred vision because a standard IOL cannot correct astigmatism. To achieve quality distance vision with a standard IOL, you may still require eyeglasses, contact lenses or further surgery.

You now have a better option. The unique design of the AcrySof toric lens provides improved distance vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contacts to correct astigmatism (you may still need reading glasses).

The toric lens is made of the same biocompatible lens material already successfully implanted in more than 25 million eyes since 1991.

Cataract FAQ 

Who is at risk?

Older people are generally more at risk of developing cataracts than younger people. Approximately 60% of people ages 60 and older have their vision significantly affected by cataract formation. For people over age 55, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss.

Diabetes, heredity, eye trauma and certain medications can accelerate cataract development, and there is some evidence that smoking can also accelerate cataract development.
 

How is a cataract diagnosed?

Cataracts are usually detected during an examination by a qualified ophthalmologist. Eye Surgical Associates has many ophthalmologists qualified to diagnose cataracts. Regular appointments are important for early detection of cataracts. Some of the standard eye tests that may be used to diagnose cataracts include:

• Visual acuity test - A chart is used to evaluate how well the patient sees at multiple distances.
• Pupil dilation - Eye drops widen the pupil so that the lens and retina can be better examined.
• Tonometry - Fluid pressure in the eye is gauged in this exam, which also helps detect glaucoma. 

How effective is cataract surgery?

According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), 98% of cataract surgeries are considered successful. Risk is even lower in patients who undergo the advanced procedures available from Eye Surgical Associates, both of which leave the eye’s capsule intact. Most patients report improved vision and few complications. 

What happens after surgery?

Recovery time after cataract surgery is usually about six weeks, but most discomfort should subside after a day or two. Immediately following surgery, the patient may experience some pain and irritation of the eye. Many patients also experience increased light sensitivity and a small amount of fluid discharge. Special pills and eye drops may be prescribed to promote healing and regulate the pressure inside the eye. Pain relievers may also be taken during the first few days if necessary. Follow-up exams allow the physician to monitor patient progress. Sunglasses or eye shields can help protect the eye while it is healing.

What is the chance of having normal vision again?

After surgery, there will be a period of recovery while the eyes adjust to seeing without the cataract. If only one eye is treated, the eyes must learn to work together again. Many everyday activities can be resumed soon after surgery, although patients may experience blurry vision for a time. Driving may be impractical and unsafe at first; your physician will advise you on the appropriate time to begin driving again. Also, patients who receive intraocular lenses (IOLs) may notice some color distortion at first. This should resolve itself within a few months, as the eyes adjust to the new, clear lenses of the IOLs.

Most people will still require reading glasses, bifocals or contacts after cataract surgery, despite the improvement in vision that the procedure offers. However, Eye Surgical Associates is proud to offer a new generation of premium lenses that can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for reading glasses. Click here for more information on these lenses.

For information on astigmatism-correcting cataract surgery, click here.

Premium IOLs

Wearing reading glasses after cataract surgery is no longer the only option. Several Eye Surgical Associates surgeons are qualified to implant a new generation of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) that are specially designed to provide crisp vision at all distances, dramatically reducing or even eliminating your need for glasses.
 

There are several available premium IOLs, and Eye Surgical Associates’ physicians offer a variety of options in order to provide you with the most appropriate treatment for your visual needs. Personalizing your procedure leads to better results and more visual independence for you.

If you’re interested in greater freedom from glasses after cataract surgery, your Eye Surgical Associates surgeon will discuss your lifestyle and thoroughly examine your eyes to determine the best IOL or combination of lenses for you.

Your surgeon will want to know:

• The kind of work you do
• How many hours a day you read and what types of reading you do
• How many hours a day you use a computer.
• Your outdoor activities
• Your hobbies, and whether you do close work, like sewing or knitting
• How much driving you do at night
• Whether you like to travel
• How bothered you are by wearing glasses

If greater freedom from glasses after cataract surgery is appealing to you, ask your Eye Surgical Associates surgeon about our premium lens options.

Cataracts

The lens is a transparent (clear) structure inside the eye that focuses light into images on the retina. A cataract is the progressive clouding of this lens. Most cataracts are caused by the normal aging process, as proteins clump together on the surface of the lens. Over half of all people over the age of 60 suffer from cataracts.

Cataracts develop gradually and can be difficult to notice at first. Symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty reading, ghost images, increased nearsightedness, light sensitivity and problems driving at night. Cataracts can affect only one eye or both eyes. When a cataract begins to cause vision loss or interfere with activities, it should be removed.
 

Removing the Cataract

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed while the patient is awake. Numbing drops or an injection of local anesthetic make the surgery painless.

The most common and most advanced cataract surgery technique is called phacoemulsification. During this surgery, a small ultrasonic probe is used to break up (emulsify) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces, which are then removed from the eye.

The highly skilled surgeons of Eye Surgical Associates perform this procedure through an incision so tiny that it heals on its own in the days following surgery. Stitches are seldom needed to close this tiny wound. This causes less discomfort and allows for a much quicker recovery of vision.

Reducing Your Dependence on Glasses after Cataract Surgery

Once the cataract is removed, an artificial lens implant called an intraocular lens (IOL) is gently placed into the eye. Standard IOLs provide clear vision and excellent clarity for distant objects, but more patients who receive these standard IOLs will require glasses for near and intermediate vision activities such as reading or using a computer.

Thanks to recent advances in lens technology, we are now proud to offer premium IOLs that are specially designed to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses. If one of these premium IOLs better suits your lifestyle, your Eye Surgical Associates surgeon will be happy to discuss it with you.

If you are interested in greater freedom from glasses after cataract surgery, click here for more information on these revolutionary lenses.

For information on astigmatism-correcting cataract surgery, click here.