Cataract surgery is a common procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. If you have special vision problems, such as an astigmatism, it is possible that they can be treated during the cataract surgery. Here is what you need to know.
How Does an Astigmatism Impact Vision?
Normally, light that enters the eye bends evenly, which results in a clear image. An astigmatism causes an irregular curve of the cornea, which disrupts the bend of the light. The result is wobbly images that appear to be distorted. The astigmatism is often corrected with the use of contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Can Cataract Surgery Clear an Astigmatism?
It is possible to have an astigmatism corrected while performing cataract surgery. A cataract cause the lens in your eye to become cloudy. To correct it, the surgeon will remove the lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Once the procedure is finished, vision is usually restored.
However, if the surgeon wants to also correct an astigmatism, he or she will make some modifications to the procedure. There are different options for correcting the astigmatism. Your decision will determine which is best for your eye.
The first option is to implant a toric intraocular lens instead of the lens that is typically used for the cataract procedure.
Your surgeon can also opt to use limbal relaxing incisions. In this procedure, the surgeon will make small incisions in the cornea. The incisions are designed to help eliminate the astigmatism as the eye starts to heal. It is more commonly used for cases involving mild astigmatisms.
What About After Surgery Options?
If your surgeon is unable to perform one of the astigmatism correcting measures during surgery, he or she can still correct it with laser vision correction. The laser vision correction procedure is a bladeless procedure that focuses on making small changes to your vision so that you can see clearer.
Everyone is not a candidate for laser vision correction. Your surgeon will need to evaluate you for the procedure and decide if you are. For instance, if you have a disease that impacts wound healing, such as diabetes, you might not be a candidate for laser vision correction.
Consult with your eye surgeon, such as Tri State Ophthalmology, to learn if you are eligible to receive astigmatism correcting surgery while undergoing your cataract surgery. If so, the surgeon can provide you with preparation tips for the procedure and address any concerns that you might have.
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