Astigmatism Correction During Cataract Surgery

Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea. The cornea is the clear round window in the front of the eye. Those with astigmatism have an oval rather than round cornea causing blurred vision at all distances. Astigmatism can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, LRI, or special Toric (astigmatism) lens implants.

Those that have cataracts and astigmatism may have their astigmatism treated at the same time as cataract surgery with either a toric lens implant or with limbal relaxing incisions (LRI).

Toric Lens for Astigmatism

A Toric intraocular lens is specifically designed to reduce a patient’s astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. The Toric implants can reduce or eliminate astigmatism and can significantly improve distance vision. If you have astigmatism, your surgeon can explain how a Toric lens could help your vision. Please watch the video to the right to learn more.

Toric Lens

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Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI)

LRI is a procedure in which small relaxing incisions are made in the cornea allowing the cornea to become more roundeed and “relax” the astigmatism. LRI can reduce or eliminate astigmatism and can significantly improve distance vision. If you have astigmatism, your surgeon can explain how an LRI could help your vision.