Astigmatism is one of the most common problems associated with nearsightedness or farsightedness. There are two causes of astigmatism. One cause is an irregularly shaped cornea (corneal astigmatism) and the other cause is an irregularly shaped lens (lenticular astigmatism). Years ago, only eye glasses or specialized contact lenses were able to help correct the blurriness associated with astigmatism. Technology has changed all of this with the advent of the Toric Intraocular lens (IOL).
Toric Intraocular Lenses
When the eye’s natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, your eye surgeon is able to help restore vision by implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. IOLs have been around since the 1960s, but it is only recently that IOLs have come in more than one form. There are IOLs for monovision, multifocal IOLs, and accommodating IOLs. In the past, IOLs have been unable to treat astigmatism, even after cataract surgery. The Toric IOL can alleviate moderate to severe astigmatism, as well as correct your distance vision. The Toric IOL is available in a wide range of optical powers. As each patient is unique, the correct power of the lens will be determined when you come in for your visit prior to cataract surgery.
After removing the cataract and natural lens, the Toric IOL, which has been configured to “smooth out” the irregularities associated with your astigmatism, is implanted. This IOL is made of silicone and some studies have shown it to perform better than traditional acrylic lenses. The lens is designed to have the lens capsule “shrink wrap” around it. This helps the lens stay in place.
If you are interested in finding out more about Toric Lenses in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, please contact the experienced eye doctors at Horizon Eye Care for an initial consultation.
