TORIC (Astigmatism-correcting) IOLs

TORIC Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) are implants that are placed inside the eye at the time of cataract surgery to replace the cataract that is removed. Unlike standard implants, TORIC IOLs can also correct astigmatism, providing a greater level of visual correction for cataract patients who also have astigmatism.

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In order to understand the function and benefit of these implants, it´s helpful to learn a bit about astigmatism and the different ways of correcting it.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common type of refractive error. In astigmatism, the cornea is somewhat elliptical, like a football, instead of perfectly round. An astigmatic cornea is often referred to as a “toric” cornea. An astigmatic cornea, by virtue of its elliptical shape, has two different curvatures, one steeper, and one flatter. The result of this anatomy in terms of focusing of light is that an astigmatic cornea produces two separate images onto the retina, which cannot be resolved into a single focal point, thus creating a blurry image.

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Correction of Astigmatism

The goal of correcting the visual defect caused by corneal astigmatism is to bring the two separate focal points into a single focal point. This will eliminate the visual blur.

Astigmatism can be corrected by optical means with the use of glasses or contact lenses. Glasses or contacts work by causing the two separate focal points to converge into one, so that the image that falls onto the retina is a single one.

Astigmatism can also be corrected by surgical means, utilizing a variety of methods described below:

Corneal (limbal) relaxing incisions

In this technique, very fine but deep incisions are placed at the edges of the steep portion of the cornea with a delicate surgical diamond blade. The effect of these incisions is to relax the steep part of the cornea so as to round it out into a more spherical shape.

Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)

With the same technology that is also used to treat nearsightedness or farsightedness, a cold laser is applied to flatten the steep part of the cornea.

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Astigmatism-correcting (TORIC) intraocular lenses

Intraocular lens implants that are primarily used at the time of cataract surgery are now available to correct astigmatism. In order to obtain the best visual result after cataract surgery, the refractive error of the eye (including astigmatism) must also be corrected.

One of the most effective and predictable ways of correcting astigmatism in relation to cataract surgery is with the use of TORIC implants. These novel devices, such as the Alcon TORIC intraocular lens, are designed to neutralize the corneal astigmatism within the eye, thereby eliminating or reducing the need for glasses to correct astigmatism after cataract surgery. The use of the TORIC intraocular lens is often the preferred method of correcting concurrent astigmatism at the time of cataract extraction. These implants provide patients a new level of visual freedom and clarity that was not available just a few years ago.