This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Toric IOLs offer better precision over relaxing incisions for astigmatism correction
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
CANCUN, Mexico — Toric IOLs offer slightly better precision and accuracy for correcting astigmatism compared with relaxing incisions, according to two surgeons speaking here at the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology meeting.
"More than 25% of patients need some form of astigmatism correction," said Douglas Koch, MD. "We need to have both of these available to us in our practices."
Dr. Koch served as moderator of a panel of experts discussing both treatment options. He also presented data that showed peripheral corneal relaxing incisions did "extremely well" in correcting astigmatism, but "not as accurate as toric IOLs," he said.
"In my practice, I use toric IOLs quite often because I think, in general, [they are] going to end up being more precise as we generate more numbers," Dr. Koch said. "I feel I can predict better with toric [lenses]."
Edgardo Carreño, MD, discussed his own data from a study involving 20 patients implanted with the AcrySof Toric IOL (Alcon).
The study found "exemplary" results, with excellent rotational stability in the capsular bag and a significant reduction in residual refractive cylinder, Dr. Carreño said.
Also, patients had significant improvements in uncorrected visual acuity as well as significant improvements in distance vision, he said.
"The AcrySof Toric IOL gives the patient significant benefits," Dr. Carreño said.