Nearsightedness and farsightedness are common forms of visual distortions that we are familiar with. Astigmatism is another form of visual distortion that often occurs simultaneously with nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Astigmatism is typically caused by the cornea (clear window of the eye) being shaped more like a football than a basketball. This causes images to focus at different points on the retina, resulting in blurry or double vision.
Astigmatism can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses but can also be treated at the time of your cataract surgery to reduce your need for glasses postoperatively. If you choose not to have your astigmatism corrected, you will need to wear glasses at all times after cataract surgery.
Correcting Astigmatism with Laser Cataract Surgery
Our Laser Cataract Surgery procedure gives Dr. Biggs and Dr. French the ability to reduce mild amounts of astigmatism with the accuracy and precision of the femtosecond laser. Microscopic laser incisions are created in the outer margins of the cornea to flatten the steeper axis of the cornea as another step in Laser Cataract Surgery.
Correcting Astigmatism with Toric IOLs
For patients with moderate to severe astigmatism, a Toric IOL can be implanted that can reduce or eliminate astigmatism along with any pre-existing nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Dr. French or Dr. Biggs will discuss the best method of correcting your astigmatism prior to your surgical procedure.