Eye Clinic of Wisconsin

For cataract patients who also have astigmatism, Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOL), offer a chance to enjoy quality distance vision with minimal need for glasses or contact lenses. Astigmatism is a common condition which occurs when the shape of the cornea, or clear surface of the eye, isn’t perfectly round. This causes the light that enters the eye to focus at two points inside the eye. This is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. However, when these eyes have cataract surgery the astigmatism will persist after surgery unless it is addressed at the time of surgery with either an additional surgical procedure or special lens called a Toric IOL.

A Toric IOL has the astigmatism correction built into the lens.  After carefully examining your eyes and discussing the options with you, your surgeon will recommend the option he believes is best for you. Typically insurance does not cover the cost of these procedures or lenses so there will be an additional out of pocket cost to the patient.