Can cataract surgery correct astigmatism?
Many people with cataracts and astigmatism wonder if cataract surgery can help with both problems. This gives them hope. Astigmatism is a common eye condition where the surface is oval instead of round, causing blurry or distorted vision. When combined with cataracts, the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, it can significantly impair one’s quality of life.
But here’s the good news: modern cataract surgery offers a promising solution to both.
Understanding the basics
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision at any distance. It occurs when the eye’s surface has a more oval shape rather than a perfect sphere, which disrupts the light’s path to the retina. People with astigmatism often require glasses or contact lenses to see clearly.
Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens and its replacement with an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is not only highly effective in restoring clear vision impaired by cataracts but also offers an opportunity to correct astigmatism.
How cataract surgery corrects astigmatism
Premium option: Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL)
Toric IOLs: Precision-engineered for astigmatism
The key to correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery lies in the use of toric intraocular lenses. Toric IOLs are specially designed to correct astigmatism by compensating for the irregular curvature of the cornea. They are precision-engineered to provide clear vision at one or more focal points, across different distances.
During cataract surgery, there’s a helpful way to fix astigmatism. It includes swapping the cloudy natural lens with a special kind of premium intraocular lens (IOL) called a toric IOL. These intraocular lenses are like toric contact lenses for treating astigmatism and different levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness in the parts of the eye affected by astigmatism.
The advantage of toric lenses
If you’re considering cataract surgery to address astigmatism, a toric intraocular lens could be your ticket to reduced reliance on eyeglasses post-surgery. Unlike toric contact lenses that move on the eye’s surface with every blink, the toric IOLs work because of their secured position inside the eye, offering a more stable correction of astigmatism.
By addressing both cataracts and astigmatism, patients can look forward to a significant improvement in their vision. The benefits extend beyond clear sight; they include:
- Reduced dependence on glasses: Many patients find their need for corrective lenses, especially for distance vision, dramatically decreased.
- Improved quality of life: With clear vision, everyday activities and hobbies become more enjoyable and less challenging.
- High satisfaction rates: Patients often report high levels of satisfaction with the outcomes of their cataract surgery, particularly when astigmatism correction is involved.
Considerations and Candidacy
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for astigmatism correction during cataract surgery. The decision depends on several factors, including the degree of astigmatism, the overall health of the eye, and individual lifestyle needs. A comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an experienced eye surgeon are essential to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
What to expect: The path to clear vision
Embarking on cataract surgery with astigmatism correction begins with a comprehensive eye examination. This examination helps us understand the specifics of your vision needs and plan the procedure accordingly.
Post-surgery, you can expect a recovery period during which the eyes adjust to the new lenses. While improvements in vision are often noticed almost immediately, the full benefits of astigmatism correction may unfold over several weeks.
Cataract surgery is not just about restoring clarity; it’s also an opportunity to address astigmatism and potentially reduce your reliance on glasses or contact lenses. Explore the possibilities, consult with our surgeon, and embark on a journey towards a clearer, brighter future, eliminating astigmatism.
Book your free video appointment and let us help you see the world with newfound clarity. Our team of experts will assess your eyes and discuss the most suitable options for restoring your vision to its optimal state. Take the first step towards clearer, sharper vision today and explore how cataract surgery can correct astigmatism, transforming your visual experience.
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Mr Dan Nguyen
MBChB MBA FRCOphth FRANZCO
Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hello, I’m Dan Nguyen!
I‘m your guide to better vision. In times when long waiting lists and unclear options are the norm, it’s easy to feel stuck and worried about your eye health. Don’t let that hold you back. I’m here to show you that you can skip the endless queues and make real progress. Remember, you’re unique, not just another name on a list. Every patient I see receives top-notch care, tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle. Once you’ve had your treatment, you’ll be able to embrace a life that’s vivid, colourful, and just the way you like it. So what are you waiting for? Stop waiting and start living!
