Why use toric lenses

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Contact Us 1. Astigmatism is measured by magnitude and axis if there is a second number in your prescription called cylinder, then you have astigmatism. The magnitude is measured in diopters and the axis, which indicates the direction of the astigmatism, is measured in degrees. Astigmatism between diopters can be corrected using a toric intraocular lens implant. Before surgery, the magnitude and axis of astigmatism is precisely measured using multiple methods.

Some instruments can even measure the small amount of astigmatism attributable to the back surface of the cornea about 0. The power and axis of the toric implant required to correct astigmatism is selected with the help of a computer program that will also factor in a small amount of astigmatism that is induced by the incision for the cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery will proceed in the usual fashion with the following exceptions. The position of the eye is first marked with the head in the upright position. Sometimes the eye rotates when lying down. Since the axis of astigmatism is critical, marking the eye will allow us to take this rotation into account.

The final axis as previously determined by the computer is then marked on the eye just before cataract surgery. Once the implant is placed, it is rotated to this axis and the surgery is completed.

Before the implant is inserted the power and axis of the astigmatism can be confirmed with a special instrument in the microscope and compared against the preoperative measurement. Silicone hydrogel lenses are more breathable than their conventional hydrogel contacts, but they can also be a little more expensive.

Toric lenses focus on different parts of the lens to correct the nearsightedness or farsightedness that goes along with astigmatism. Toric lenses have a design feature that allows them to rotate to the perfect angle on the front of your eye. Every eye with astigmatism is unique, so it can take some trial and error to find the right lens with the best fit, comfort and visual sharpness.

Your eye doctor may experiment with two or three different brands before finding the perfect pair. It generally takes more expertise for an eye doctor to fit a patient for toric contacts than it does for regular lenses. For this reason, a toric lens fitting may cost more than a regular contact lens fitting. Since torics are more complex in design, the cost of replacing them will be higher than most regular contacts.

The exact price will depend on the lens design, lens material and where you buy them. Another factor of why the use of toric IOLs is not as prevalent as it could be is that properly implanting a toric IOL is more challenging for cataract surgeons than using a conventional spherical IOL that's not designed for astigmatism correction surgery. To correct astigmatism effectively, a toric IOL has to be positioned precisely within the eye, with the astigmatism correction aligned perfectly with the astigmatism present in the eye.

Also, the toric IOL must be securely positioned so it does not rotate after it is implanted. Even small errors in the positioning of a toric IOL may significantly affect visual acuity after surgery — more so than they would with a spherical IOL. If you have astigmatism and need cataract surgery, ask your eye doctor to refer you to a cataract surgeon who embraces the latest surgical technology, including toric IOLs.

During your consultation prior to surgery, your surgeon will discuss with you the best options for your particular needs so you can be less dependent on eyeglasses after your cataracts are removed. Five reasons why toric IOLs are the best choice for managing astigmatism. Ophthalmology Times. April Correction of low corneal astigmatism in cataract surgery. International Journal of Ophthalmology.