Astigmatism is a refractive error like myopia or hyperopia. In an astigmatic eye, both distance and near vision are impaired, resulting in a blurred image. Objects that are normally round appear more oval. At night, light reflections such as car lights occur more frequently.
Everyone has a certain degree of astigmatism. However, when the degree of this defect is low, it may not cause discomfort. When astigmatism exceeds 1 diopter, complaints increase. Therefore, correcting astigmatism is essential. This can be done through tools such as glasses or contact lenses to eliminate the symptoms, or through laser surgical operations to correct it.
Intraocular Lenses
They are mostly applied in hyperopic patients who have difficulty seeing both near and far or patients over 40 with difficulty in near vision. During this procedure, the natural lens of the eye, which has lost its function, is removed and replaced with a multifunctional artificial intraocular lens that provides clear vision for near, intermediate, and far distances. These smart lenses refract the light according to distances to function according to the person's needs.
What are Astigmatic Intraocular Lenses?
Additionally, special toric intraocular lenses designed to correct astigmatism can be used. Currently, astigmatic (toric) models of both distance intraocular lenses and distance, near, and intermediate (smart lenses) intraocular lenses are available on the market.
How is Astigmatic Intraocular Lens Surgery Performed?
After the necessary examinations and measurements are made for the patient, the eye doctor chooses the most suitable model of astigmatic intraocular lens for the patient. Astigmatic intraocular lens surgery is no different from regular cataract surgery.
Just like cataract surgery, it is performed with drop anesthesia. The natural lens inside the eye is removed, and an astigmatic (toric) intraocular lens is inserted in its place. In the final stage, the placed astigmatic intraocular lens is positioned on the appropriate astigmatism axis.
The bandage applied after the surgery is opened by the doctor during the check-up the next day. The patient starts to see the same day and continues their daily life without glasses. After the same procedures are applied to the other eye, weekly and monthly doctor check-ups are conducted, in addition to a period of drop usage. At the end of everything, the patient will have also resolved astigmatism complaints thanks to astigmatic intraocular lenses.
Who are Astigmatic Intraocular Lenses Not Suitable For?
The patients in whom intraocular lenses will be placed must be well-evaluated from every angle. In patients with diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma (eye pressure), monofocal toric lenses may be used instead of multifocal ones. Multifocal toric intraocular lenses cannot be used in these patients. Therefore, a thorough examination, tests, and measurements should be conducted by an expert physician to determine whether the patient is suitable for the operation.
Astigmatism in Cataract Surgery
When examining cataract patients, it has been observed that one-third of these cases have astigmatism of 1 to 1.5 diopters and above. Using an astigmatic (toric) lens during the surgery for these cases is beneficial. If not used, the patient's dependency on glasses will continue, as astigmatism complaints will not be resolved in daily life after surgery. Just as glasses or contact lenses do not consider astigmatism, neither can the intraocular lens be non-astigmatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do astigmatic intraocular lenses affect vision quality?
Astigmatic intraocular lenses provide both the removal of cataracts and the correction of astigmatism. Patients can achieve clearer vision at long distances. In suitable patients where multifocal toric lenses are preferred, significant increases in vision quality can be achieved at both far and near distances.
How long does astigmatic intraocular lens surgery take?
Astigmatic intraocular lens surgery is completed in the same period, 10-15 minutes, as traditional cataract surgery. As it is performed with drop anesthesia, the patient is discharged the same day and begins to see shortly.
How long do astigmatic intraocular lenses last?
Intraocular lenses are designed to be lifelong. Once placed, the lens remains in place for a lifetime without the need for replacement. However, in rare cases, repositioning of the lens or other interventions may be required.
What is the recovery process after astigmatic intraocular lens surgery?
Vision clears within a day following the surgery. The patient uses the eye drops recommended by the doctor for a few weeks and attends check-ups at prescribed intervals. During this process, it is important to maintain eye hygiene and avoid rubbing the eyes.