Toric lens

[johnnypro]

I'm finally scheduled to have my Right eye cataract done. My doctor has suggested a Toric lens as the right eye has a high amount of astigmatism. I'm a bit wary as my left eye cataract surgery caused a lot of glare problems as my doctor substituted a ReZoom lens for the Crystalens we agreed on. Subsequent YAG laser treatment (by a different doctor) in that eye to correct some scarring actually made the glare and halos worse. Anyway. I have a new doctor and I'm wondering if the Toric is something to worry about, or should I take the safe way out and go for a basic lens.

I see 20/30 in my left eye now (Uncorrected) and can barely see out of my right eye. If I go for the basic lens, leaving the rt eye clear but the astigmatism not corrected, will I see better or worse than I do now without glasses?????

Thank you for your answers. JP

[paulag77]

I am having cataract surgery on both eyes in the next 2 months.  They have recommended a Toric lens.  I have never worn glasses to read, but have always worn glasses for distance.  If I have Toric in one eye set for distance and the other set for intermediate, will I lose this ability to read without glasses?

[JodieJ]

You didn't say how much astigmatism you have.  The research I've seen shows significantly better uncorrected vision with a toric IOL (over monofocal IOL and limbal relaxing incisions) when preop astigmatism is more than 2 diopters.  With preop astigmatism between 1 and 2 diopters, the toric IOL performed slightly (but not significantly) better on average.  Below 1 diopter of preop astigmatism, outcomes were better with limbal relaxing incisions.

I suspect that a surgeon's experience and skills might also make a difference.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Your vision without glasses will likely be worse with a monofocal IOL and better if a toric IOL is put in. However the toric will be more expensive and have greater chance of complications.

JCH MD