- Cataract surgery can provide an opportunity to address both a cloudy natural lens and corneal astigmatism during the same procedure.
- Limbal relaxing incisions may be combined with a standard monofocal lens to reduce certain amounts of astigmatism.
- Toric IOLs are specifically designed to compensate for corneal astigmatism and may reduce reliance on distance glasses.
Patients with cataracts often have other vision concerns at the same time, including astigmatism. This can lead many people to ask, Can Cataract Surgery Correct Astigmatism? Depending on your individual eye measurements and visual goals, cataract surgery with astigmatism correction may address both conditions during the same procedure.
Understanding Astigmatism Before Cataract Surgery
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular curvature. Instead of focusing light evenly, the shape causes light to focus differently within the eye, which can contribute to blurry or distorted vision.
During a cataract evaluation, eye measurements help determine whether corneal astigmatism is present and how much correction may be appropriate. This information can then become part of the surgical plan.
Correcting Astigmatism With Limbal Relaxing Incisions
One option for addressing astigmatism during cataract surgery is a limbal relaxing incision, commonly called an LRI.
These small incisions are made near the outer edge of the cornea to help relax its steeper curvature. An LRI may be combined with a standard monofocal intraocular lens when appropriate.
This approach removes the cataract while also addressing corneal shape. The amount of correction achievable depends on the eye’s individual characteristics and the degree of astigmatism.
How Toric IOLs Address Astigmatism
Another option is a Toric intraocular lens. Unlike a standard monofocal lens, a Toric IOL is specifically designed to compensate for corneal astigmatism.
The lens is selected and positioned according to the orientation of the patient’s astigmatism. When appropriate, this can provide clearer uncorrected distance vision after cataract surgery and reduce the amount of correction needed from glasses.
Patients researching toric intraocular lens cost should discuss pricing, coverage, and available lens options during their cataract consultation because these factors can vary.
Toric IOLs vs. Limbal Relaxing Incisions
No single astigmatism correction method is right for every cataract patient. Limbal relaxing incisions and Toric IOLs use different approaches to address corneal astigmatism.
The most appropriate option depends on factors such as:
- The amount of astigmatism present
- The shape and measurements of the cornea
- Your desired distance vision
- Your expectations regarding glasses after surgery
A detailed cataract evaluation gives your ophthalmologist the information needed to recommend an approach based on your individual eyes and vision goals.
Explore Your Cataract Surgery Options
Cataract surgery can be an opportunity to do more than remove a cloudy lens. Addressing astigmatism at the same time may help improve functional distance vision and reduce reliance on glasses.
At Advanced Cataract & Glaucoma Care, PLLC, we prioritize personalized care and utilize advanced technology to help patients understand their surgical options. If you have cataracts and astigmatism, contact us to schedule an evaluation and discuss which approach may fit your vision goals.
Image credit: Jo Panuwat D // Shutterstock
