If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts and also have astigmatism, you may be wondering if both vision problems can be addressed at the same time. The good news is that astigmatism correction is possible during cataract surgery, and rather than dealing with blurred vision from both conditions separately, you can achieve clearer vision through a single comprehensive procedure.
At Hayden Vision in Henderson, patients have two proven options for correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery: toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) and limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs). Keep reading to discover how these approaches work and which one might be right for you.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error, typically caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Instead of being round like a basketball, an astigmatic eye can be shaped more like a football, with one meridian steeper than the other. This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
Many people have astigmatism in addition to cataracts. When your eye doctor at Hayden Vision evaluates you for cataract surgery, they will measure the degree and orientation of your astigmatism to determine the best correction method. This evaluation helps ensure you achieve the clearest possible vision after your procedure.
Why Correct Astigmatism During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery involves removing your clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. This presents an ideal opportunity to correct astigmatism at the same time. If astigmatism is left uncorrected during cataract surgery, you’ll still experience blurred vision even after the cataract is removed.
Addressing both conditions together means you can enjoy significantly improved vision without needing additional procedures later. The combination approach can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses for many activities.
With over thirty years of surgical experience, the team at Hayden Vision has helped countless patients achieve clearer vision by correcting astigmatism alongside cataract removal.
What Are Toric IOLs?
Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are specially designed implants that have astigmatism correction built directly into the lens. Unlike standard monofocal IOLs, which provide only one focal point, toric IOLs have different powers in different meridians to compensate for the irregular shape of your cornea. When your cataract surgeon places a toric IOL during surgery, they carefully align it with the steepest part of your cornea to neutralize the astigmatism.
The precision of toric IOLs makes them an excellent option for many patients. These lenses can correct moderate to high levels of astigmatism, providing predictable and stable results. Once positioned correctly during surgery, the toric IOL remains in place and continues to provide astigmatism correction for the rest of your life.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Toric IOLs?
Toric IOLs work best for patients with regular astigmatism of moderate to high degree. During your consultation, your cataract surgeon will perform detailed measurements of your cornea to determine if you’re a good candidate. These measurements help ensure the lens can be positioned correctly to achieve the best possible visual outcome.
Patients who want the most precise astigmatism correction and don’t mind the additional out-of-pocket cost often prefer toric IOLs. While Medicare and most insurance plans cover the basic cataract surgery and standard monofocal lens, toric lenses are considered a premium upgrade. Your eye doctor can discuss the costs and help you determine if this investment is a good fit for your vision goals and lifestyle.
How Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRIs) Work
Limbal relaxing incisions are tiny, precise incisions made at the edge of the cornea where it meets the white part of the eye (the limbus). Your surgeon creates these micro-incisions in the steepest meridian of your cornea, which allows that area to relax and flatten slightly. This relaxation effect causes your cornea to become more spherical, thereby reducing astigmatism.
The technique requires significant skill and precision. Dr. Hayden and Dr. Stearns can perform LRIs either manually with specialized instruments or with the assistance of a femtosecond laser for enhanced accuracy and precision. The incisions are typically one to two millimeters in length and heal naturally without the need for stitches.
When LRIs Are Used
LRIs are most effective for correcting lower amounts of astigmatism. They can be combined with standard monofocal IOLs to give patients with mild astigmatism clearer vision without the cost of premium toric lenses. This makes LRIs a practical option for patients who have some astigmatism but don’t require the higher level of correction that toric lenses provide.
Some patients prefer LRIs because they allow for the use of a standard monofocal lens, which is often covered by insurance, with only a small additional fee for the astigmatism correction procedure. The results can be quite good for the right candidate, though they may be slightly less predictable than toric IOLs for higher degrees of astigmatism.
What to Expect With LRIs
The limbal relaxing incisions are made during your cataract surgery, so there’s no separate procedure required. Most patients don’t feel the incisions being made since the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops. The small incisions typically heal within a few weeks, and you’ll notice improved vision as your eye recovers from the surgery.
Recovery from LRIs is similar to that of standard cataract surgery. Your vision may fluctuate slightly during the first few weeks as the incisions stabilize and heal. Your eye doctor will monitor your progress to ensure optimal results.
Choosing Between Toric IOLs and LRIs
The decision between toric IOLs and limbal relaxing incisions depends on several factors. Your eye doctor will consider the amount and type of astigmatism you have, your overall eye health, your visual goals, and your budget to determine the best course of treatment. Higher degrees of astigmatism generally respond better to toric IOLs, while lower amounts can be effectively managed with LRIs.
If you want the most predictable correction and are willing to invest in premium lens technology, toric IOLs may be your best choice. If you have mild astigmatism and prefer to minimize out-of-pocket costs while still achieving good results, LRIs combined with a standard monofocal lens could work well.
During your comprehensive cataract evaluation at Hayden Vision, your eye doctor will take precise measurements of your eyes and discuss both options with you. This personalized consultation ensures you understand what each approach offers and helps you make an informed decision about your vision correction.
Experience Clearer Vision After Cataract Surgery
Correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery can help you achieve the clear, sharp vision you’ve been missing. Both toric IOLs and limbal relaxing incisions offer effective solutions, depending on your individual needs and goals.
The experienced cataract surgeons at Hayden Vision in Henderson will guide you through the decision-making process and help you understand which option best suits your needs.
Ready to enjoy clearer vision after cataract surgery? Schedule a comprehensive cataract evaluation at Hayden Vision in Henderson, KY, to learn which astigmatism correction option is right for you.