Toric Intraocular Lenses for Astigmatism Correction
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reports that 15-29% of patients with cataracts also have astigmatism. If you are a statistic, chances are you are relying on eyeglasses or contact lenses to enjoy distance vision.
Do you wish you were free from the hassle of having to wear corrective eyewear?
That latest renderings of Toric intraocular lenses can make that happen.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a cloud that forms over the natural crystalline lens of the eye, negatively impacting the quality of vision. Most cataracts are age-related. Other causes include prolonged exposure to UV light, diabetes, and smoking.
What is astigmatism?
This is the analogy many eye doctors use to explain astigmatism: Normal lenses have the shape of a basketball, while astigmatic lenses have the shape of a football. The round shape of normal lenses allows the light to be bent so it focuses on the retina of the eye. As a result, objects appear clear. Oblong-shaped lenses of people with astigmatism, on the other hand, are unable to focus the rays on a single point, causing objects to look blurry.
Astigmatism is easily treated. The American Optometric Association lists the use of contact lenses and eyeglasses, and surgeries like orthokeratology and LASIK, as treatments for astigmatism.
Traditional versus Toric intraocular implantation: What is the difference?
Traditional treatment of cataracts with astigmatism is a two-fold process. First, the doctor performs cataract surgery, wherein they remove the clouded lens and replace it with a monofocal intraocular lens. The traditional artificial lens, however, does not have astigmatism correction built into it. Surgeons typically have to perform laser vision correction or another type of refractive surgery to address astigmatism. If the patient decides not to have laser eye surgery after IOL implantations, they achieve visual acuity by wearing corrective eyewear.
Today, according to Dr. Amjad Khokhar, the lead ophthalmologist of Houston LASIK & Eye in Houston, Texas, eye surgeons can treat cataracts and astigmatism in a single surgery through Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation.
Toric lens implantation is an acceptable alternative to LASIK for patients with cataracts. Toric intraocular lenses are injectable, foldable lenses that can correct moderate to high degrees of astigmatism and significantly improve distance vision. They have been around since the 1990s, but cataract surgeons were slow in embracing the technology for their patients.
After the FDA approved new Toric IOL designs by AcrySof in 2005, however, the landscape began to change. As the new designs prove to provide better visual outcomes and greater precision and predictability from a surgical standpoint, many top cataract surgeons are now offering it to their patients.
In a clinical study of AcrySof Toric IOL patients in 2007:
- More than 90% of patients achieved distance visual acuity of 20/40 or better.
- 97% achieved freedom from spectacles.
- Most patients showed improvement in contrast sensitivity in low light conditions.
Many new Toric IOL designs are currently waiting for approval from the DNA. Looking not too far down the road, Dr. Khokhar is optimistic about the advances that will significantly improve the lives of cataract patients.
Houston LASIK & Eye leads in providing premium LASIK technologies in Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronaut, Navy SEAL and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston LASIK & Eye, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/astigmatism
http://www.eyeworld.org/ewsupplementarticle.php?id=220
