What's New

NEW Toric IOLs (Intraocular Lens) for Astigmatism

Toric IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism. This provides another new option for Cataract Patients! The ACRYSOF® Toric IOLs are artificial lenses implanted in the eye to restore vision after a clouded natural lens (cataract) is removed. The unique design of the AcrySof® Toric Lens makes it possible to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected distance vision.

The lens of the IOL is convex on both sides (biconvex) and made of a soft plastic that can be folded prior to insertion, allowing placement through an incision smaller than the optic diameter of the lens. After surgical insertion into the eye, the lens gently unfolds to restore vision. The supporting arms (haptics) provide for proper positioning of the IOL within the eye. Most surgeons who treat astigmatism in their cataract patients tend to use astigmatic keratotomy (AK), which involves making incisions in the cornea. But in addition to or even instead of corneal astigmatism, some people may have lenticular astigmatism, caused by irregularity in the shape of the natural lens capsule. This can be corrected with a toric IOL.

The ACRYSOF® Toric IOLs are used in adult patients with corneal astigmatism who have undergone cataract removal. The ACRYSOF Toric IOLs have been shown in a clinical study to provide good uncorrected distance in patients who have undergone cataract surgery.

The FDA approved the AcrySof Toric IOL by Alcon in September 2005. To read more about the AcrySof Toric IOL by Alcon Click here.