Cataract surgery can correct or reduce astigmatism, but the extent of the correction depends on the type and severity of your astigmatism and the approach your surgeon recommends.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure also presents an opportunity for the surgeon to address refractive errors such as astigmatism.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular curvature that prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina. It is often described as the cornea being shaped more like a football than a basketball.
Astigmatism is very common and can occur along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
How Does Astigmatism Affect Vision?
Astigmatism affects the way light focuses inside the eye. Instead of light focusing at a single point on the retina, the irregular curvature causes it to focus unevenly. This can result in blurred or distorted vision. Objects or letters may also look shadowed or stretched, which can make it difficult to read text.
Uncorrected astigmatism can also contribute to eye strain and headaches, particularly during activities that require prolonged visual focus.
While astigmatism and cataracts are two separate conditions, they can cause some similar vision problems. Both can contribute to blurry vision and difficulty seeing clearly at night. Headlights and streetlights may appear distorted or be surrounded by glare or halos.
Can Cataract Surgery Correct Astigmatism?
Many patients with cataracts also have astigmatism. While cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens implant (IOL), existing astigmatism can still affect the quality of your vision after surgery if it isn't addressed.
Fortunately, cataract surgery presents an opportunity to address both issues at the same time.
What Surgical Approaches Reduce Astigmatism?
There are two common methods surgeons can use to reduce astigmatism during cataract surgery.
Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
A toric IOL is one of the most effective ways to address certain types of astigmatism during cataract surgery.
These specialized lenses are similar in concept to toric contact lenses. They have different powers in different areas of the lens to compensate for astigmatism and must be carefully positioned within the eye.
Toric technology is available with different types of IOLs, giving some patients the opportunity to address astigmatism while also working toward their other vision goals after cataract surgery.
Corneal Incisions
In some cases, surgeons may also make small incisions in the cornea during cataract surgery to reduce astigmatism. These are often referred to as limbal relaxing incisions or astigmatic keratotomy.
This approach may be appropriate for patients with lower amounts of regular corneal astigmatism. The results can be less predictable than correction with a toric IOL, and some patients may still need glasses or contact lenses after the procedure.
The best approach depends on the type and severity of your astigmatism, as well as other characteristics of your eyes and your vision goals. Your eye surgeon can help determine which option is most appropriate for you.
Cataract Surgery Isn't a Cure-All for Astigmatism
Although addressing astigmatism during cataract surgery can significantly reduce dependence on glasses for some patients, it does not guarantee completely glasses-free vision. Some degree of astigmatism may remain after surgery, and glasses may still be needed for certain activities.
That said, addressing astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery can help improve visual outcomes and reduce your dependence on corrective lenses.
If you're considering cataract surgery and also have astigmatism, we'll discuss your options with you, including whether a toric IOL or another approach may be appropriate.
Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.