Surgical Vision Correction Options
for Aging Eyes

Toric Lens

THE TORIC LENS (IOL)….WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STANDARD IOL AND A TORIC IOL?:

Standard and premium lenses do not correct the condition known as astigmatism.  Astigmatism is the condition caused by an oval or football-shaped cornea.  The cornea is the front window of the eye.  If the cornea is round, then it is known as a spherical cornea.  Spherical corneas focus images to a single clear point of focus.  Corneas with astigmatism are oval or football-shaped and misfocus images by creating a double image.  All standard and premium lens implants as of 2008 do not correct astigmatism.  However the toric lens implant DOES correct for or compensate for the astigmatism of the cornea.

The typical individual who receives the toric lens wants to have sharp clear vision far away without depending on glasses or contacts.  As of 2008 the toric lens does not provide for an adjustable focus from near to far.  The toric lens is a fixed-focus lens like a standard IOL but it provides sharper unaided vision far away for those individuals with pre-existing astigmatism before cataract surgery.

HOW DOES THE TORIC IOL WORK?

The toric IOL is designed to correct for the natural existing astigmatism in the cornea.  It is similar to the function of a toric contact lens in that the toric IOL neutralizes or compensates for the astigmatism in the cornea.  So when you see through the toric lens, your focus is sharp and clear without glasses for driving, watching TV or seeing objects far away.  Individuals with the toric IOL will need bifocal or reading glasses to see up-close (Eg. Computer or reading vision).

HOW WELL DOES THE TORIC IOL WORK?

Approximately 95% of individuals with the toric lens see sharp and clear without glasses for driving or watching TV.  On the other hand, individuals with a standard IOL who have pre-existing astigmatism will have about a 25% chance of seeing sharp and clear without glasses for driving or watching TV.  Specifically, the standard IOL patients see great with bifocals or glasses for far away vision.  But without their glasses, vision far away will be blurred by any residual astigmatism.  On the other hand, individuals with the toric IOL are much less dependent on glasses for their far away vision because the lens implant corrects the natural astigmatism for that individual.

HOW MUCH DOES THE PRESBYOPIA SURGERY WITH THE TORIC LENS COST?

Usually individuals wanting the toric IOL have a visually significant cataract.  They don’t mind wearing glasses to read or work at the computer but would like to be able to watch TV and drive without glasses.  Typically we bill your insurance for standard cataract surgery.  The toric IOL upgrade cost is approximately $1000/eye.

Monthly payment programs are available via an outside financing company which make the surgery more affordable. There is no prepayment for financing. To apply for financing, you may call CareCredit at 1-800-300-3046 or apply online at www.carecredit.com.  We offer our patients a 3 month no-interest plan or a 2-5 year extended payment plan.

Cost is an important consideration, but surgeon experience with lens replacement surgery, personalized attention from the surgeon before and after your procedure, and the technology used are the most important factors in determining how well you see after surgery.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF LENS REPLACEMENT SURGERY WITH THE TORIC IOL?

Lens replacement surgery is identical to cataract surgery and results in safe and successful outcomes in approximately 98% of eyes treated.  Like any surgical procedure, there are risks.  During your visit with Dr. Mitchel Wong or Dr. Shannon Wong, the risks, benefits and surgical alternatives will be discussed with you.  Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgical procedures performed in the US today with 2.7 million procedures performed annually.

For more information about Surgical Vision Correction with the Toric IOL, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Mitchel Wong or Dr. Shannon Wong or attend one of our monthly surgical vision correction seminars