Premium intraocular lenses designed to correct astigmatism — called toric IOLs — produce excellent visual outcomes and high patient satisfaction, according to a new study.
Researchers in Canada evaluated the implantation of toric IOLs in subjects undergoing cataract surgery in both eyes. The study included 234 eyes of 117 subjects. In addition to having cataracts, all subjects had from 1.00 to 2.50 diopters (D) of corneal astigmatism prior to surgery.
After cataract removal, all eyes were implanted with an AcrySof Toric IOL made by Alcon (Fort Worth, Texas).
Binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), refractive error, and IOL rotational stability were assessed at 1 day and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery.
Prior to surgery and at 3 months and 6 months after surgery, patients completed a questionnaire that assessed their dependence on eyeglasses, visual disturbances and satisfaction with their vision using a 10-point scale (1 = completely unsatisfied; 10 = completely satisfied).
Results of the study included:
- Binocular UDVA after surgery was 20/40 or better in 99 percent of patients and 20/20 or better in 63 percent of patients.
- Mean residual refractive astigmatism after surgery was reduced to 0.4 D among all patients.
- IOL alignment was within 5 degrees of the intended position in 91 percent of patients and within 10 degrees of intended in 99 percent of patients.
- 69 percent of patients reported never needing glasses for distance vision after surgery.
- The frequency and severity of halos and glare present prior to surgery were significantly reduced after surgery.
- Satisfaction with vision was rated 7 or higher by 94 percent of patients after surgery.
The researchers concluded that cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of toric IOLs to correct pre-existing astigmatism produced “excellent and stable visual outcomes that patients rated as highly satisfactory.”
A full report of the study is published in the April 2010 issue of Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the official journal of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).
Tags: astigmatism, toric IOLs