Astigmatism Correction
Astigmatism is an optical abnormality usually occurring when the cornea is not spherical, but is somewhat more elliptical or football-shaped.
Treatment
Glasses: Prior to surgery, astigmatism is conventionally treated by glasses or contact lenses. Without glasses the eye cannot focus accurately and vision will be less sharp.
Toric lens implant: At the time of cataract surgery, astigmatism is neutralized by a carefully selected intraocular lens implant (Acrysof Toric Lens) which is rotated precisely within the eye to align with the direction of the corneal curvature. This is highly effective at reducing astigmatism and therefore at improving vision after surgery, reducing the need for glasses.
Limbal relaxing incisions: Deep incisions in the cornea can be made at the time of surgery to reduce astigmatism improve the vision achieved without glasses. Because the cornea is living tissue the responses are somewhat variable and over- or under-response is possible.
Patients with large amounts of astigmatism may require a combination of both a toric lens implant and limbal relaxing incisions. Higher power Acrysof Toric Lens Implants will be available in the future.