Why Should I Correct My Astigmatism During Cataract Surgery?
When undergoing cataract surgery many patients don't even give their astigmatism a second thought. A third of surgeons don't routinely address the issue with patients who are undergoing surgery. Correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery has great benefits for patients. Astigmatism creates blurred vision in the distance and at near so where ever you look, it’s blurry. The more astigmatism in your eyes the more blur will compromise your vision.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 7 to 12 minutes in Dr. Wilmarth’s hands. Though it does take some extra steps to correct astigmatism, it only adds a few more minutes to surgery time and results in improved vision without glasses.
Correcting your astigmatism during your cataract surgery should be considered for the following reasons:
- Astigmatism correction at the time of cataract removal will improve vision at all distances
- When choosing a multifocal lens to become glasses free residual astigmatism becomes especially bothersome.
- Astigmatism increases after cataract surgery for most patients
There are currently three choices that are recommended to eliminate or reduce astigmatism in cataract surgery:
TORIC Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) - For those who have a mild to large amount of astigmatism, a toric implant is an ideal option.
LASIK - LASIK can help reduce or eliminate astigmatism on its own, or it may be used along with one of the other methods in order to eliminate any residual astigmatism from cataract surgery.
Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) - Incision can be made in the cornea at time of surgery in order to correct a small amount of astigmatism.
Astigmatism correction at the time of cataract surgery is a safe and reliable way to improve your vision. If you are in the Sacramento region and would like to learn more about what your options are, contact Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center at (916) 782- 2111 to schedule your consultation today!
