Toric Lens Procedure for Cataract Surgery Patients

During cataract surgery, the cataract-affected natural crystalline lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs are typically made of a flexible material, allowing your surgeon to fold and insert the IOL through a very small incision. Once the cataract is removed and the IOL is in the proper position, light can once again travel unimpeded to the back of the eye.

Typically, patients who undergo cataract surgery receive a monofocal IOL that doesn’t correct existing vision problems such as astigmatism. If you have astigmatism, you may still experience blurred and distorted vision becuase a monofocal IOL cannot correct pre-existing corneal asigmatism. High quality vision is not regained unless the astigmatism is also corrected.

A giant leap forward

The AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL is changing the way people see cataract surgery – and life. This foldable, single-piece lens is implanted during cataract surgery to replace the clouded lens. It provides clear distance vision for patients with astigmatism, usually without the need for glasses.

Simply put, in most cases, the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL lets you leave your glasses and contacts behind and recapture quality distance vision in one step.

Q. What is astigmatism?
A. Astigmatism occurs when your cornea is oval in shape rather than the circular ring shape it should be. The cornea protrudes slightly causing light rays to enter your eyes unevenly. As a result, this astigmatic condition causes objects both far and near to appear blurry or distorted.

Patients who are myopic (nearsighted) or hyperopic (farsighted) can also have astigmatism.

Q. What is the success rate of the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL with preoperative astigmatism?
A. In clinical trials, the majority of patients with preoperative astigmatism achieved freedom from glasses for distance vision when the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL was implanted in both eyes. It’s made of the same biocompatible lens material already successfully implanted in more than 70 million people since 1991.

Q. Am I a candidate for the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL?
A. If you have a cataract, ask your doctor if you’re a candidate for the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL.