Astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the cornea and can cause blurry images after cataract surgery if it is not corrected. Even the most precise pre-operative measurements and calculations can be thrown a “curveball” when astigmatism gets in the way of an otherwise good cataract surgery result.

Your Customized Cataract Care includes the option of correcting the astigmatism so that all of the other components involved in cataract surgery work as intended and you achieve the visual results that you expect.

Astigmatism can be corrected by three methods: limbal relaxing incisions (LRI), astigmatism correcting IOLs, and excimer laser (LASIK) treatments. For the cataract patient, either a limbal relaxing incision or astigmatism-correcting IOL will be implemented. If the astigmatism is not corrected, then clear vision will be dependent upon glasses at most, if not all, distances.

The limbal relaxing incision procedure is performed during your cataract surgery. In this procedure, your Ocala Eye surgeon will make small relief points and “relax” the irregular curve in the cornea, thus making it perfectly round. With the cornea curve now corrected, the IOL inside the eye is able to properly focus incoming light. This technique is ideal for fine-tuning your vision if you have significant degrees of astigmatism.

For some cases, your ophthalmologist may discuss using a specialized “toric” IOL which is used in place of the standard lens implant during your cataract surgery. Toric IOLs correct astigmatism by mirroring the irregular cornea shape. This lens “straightens” the light rays so they can be properly focused onto the back of the retina. Toric IOLs can compensate for low to moderate degrees of astigmatism.

To speak with an eye care professional in the Ocala, Florida area, contact Ocala Eye today.

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To schedule an eye care appointment, contact our ophthalmology and laser vision correction offices in Ocala, Florida.