Toric IOLs

Toric Lens

With the Toric lens, or IOL, our ophthalmologists can now treat patients who have cataracts and also suffer from astigmatism. The lens is made of
very soft, flexible material and is commonly used with astigmatic cataract patients because it is designed to conform to the natural shape of the lens, staying centered and stable.

In cataract surgery with a conventional lens, the surgeon replaces the natural lens with a clear, monofocal lens. However, if you also suffer from astigmatism, a conventional lens will likely not correct blurred or distorted vision. Toric IOLs are designed to eliminate this secondary condition by correcting astigmatism. Because of the organic quality of the Toric IOL, the human eye adapts to it quickly to provide higher-quality vision.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a condition that causes blurred vision, due to irregularities in the shape of the cornea. A typical cornea is round, but patients that have astigmatism have oval-shaped corneas, that look more like a football. Because of this irregular shape, light rays do not focus properly on the retina, which
causes blurred vision, and in some cases, double vision. Patients with astigmatism need glasses or contact lenses to correct it.

Cataract patients with significant astigmatism may benefit from a Toric lens. Toric IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism, along with nearsightedness or farsightedness. These lenses, thanks to their unique design, help counterbalance corneal irregularities that cause astigmatism. This allows light to focus properly on the retina, correcting the patient’s astigmatism and distance vision.

The Procedure

Our surgeons and surgical counselors will meet with you to review recommendations for your unique visual needs, suggested recommendations, and all pre- and post-operative preparations.

During your cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove the clouded lens from your eye and replace it with a flexible, clear intraocular lens (IOL). The removal involves a micro-incision for lens insertion. The incision is “self-healing” and usually requires no stitches — it heals quickly and provides a much more comfortable recuperation. The whole procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes.

What lens or IOL is right for me?

If you've been diagnosed with cataracts, the good news is that there are several options available to enhance your vision. At Whitsett Vision Group, we conduct diagnostic testing to gain a comprehensive understanding of your eye health, discuss your lifestyle and visual goals, and offer tailored recommendations based on our expertise, our research and clinical trial participation.

The best way to find out if you are a candidate for any of our lens options is to schedule a cataract consultation.

Our surgical counselors and team will provide you with information about your choices to ensure you feel confident in both the procedure and the selected lens.