Can lens replacement surgery correct astigmatism?
Can lens replacement surgery correct astigmatism? Many people think they’re not eligible for lens replacement surgery because they have astigmatism. That is false. Not only can lens replacement surgery treat shortsightedness and longsightedness, but it can also address your astigmatism1 too.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism arises when the shape of your eye is like an American football. Your cornea may also be more curved than normal, and this can lead to symptoms such as blurred vision, eyestrain, headaches and distortion. Typically, surgeons can treat this condition by reshaping your cornea with a laser. We can treat up to 4 or 5 units of astigmatism with laser power, so rest assured you’re in the right hands.
Why lens replacement surgery?
Lens replacement (refractive lens exchange or RLE) offers a more permanent solution than laser vision correction and corrects multiple problems simultaneously.
If you’re in your 40s or older, you might not be eligible for laser eye surgery because your near vision may worsen due to age2. If we expect that will happen, then lens replacement surgery may be a superior option to laser vision correction.
Furthermore, if you have more than five units of astigmatism and are not eligible for laser treatments, RLE can be used to restore your vision.
Toric IOLs
We use a specific implant for treating astigmatism called a toric IOL (intraocular lens). These artificial lenses offer a permanent solution to astigmatism by altering how light refracts through the lens.
IOLs are more stable than contacts which can move around when you blink. You never need to put them in or take them out because they rest inside your eye. Lastly, because the lens technically does not age, you will never get cataracts and, therefore, can avoid the inevitable need for cataract surgery when you’re older.
Our primary focus is refractive solutions. No matter how advanced your vision problem is, we are confident we can address them.
Next steps? Book a free consultation with us.
