STAAR Toric IOL™ for Cataract Astigmatism Eye Surgery
STAAR® Surgical Company developed the world 's first toric IOL (intraocular lens) for the reduction of astigmatism. This exclusive IOL can maximize surgical results by treating astigmatism during cataract eye surgery. Approximately 20 percent of patients who need cataract surgery have a clinically significant degree of preexisting astigmatism.
- General Astigmatism Information
- What is astigmatism?
- Levels of Astigmatism – Is Eye Surgery Needed?
- Background of Astigmatism Eye Surgery
- Outcome of STAAR Toric IOL Astigmatism Eye Surgery
- The STAAR Toric IOL: May be the single best option for correcting cataracts and astigmatism
- Obtain Additional Information on the STAAR Toric IOL
General Astigmatism Information
It is important to determine if you have moderate or high astigmatism prior to cataract eye surgery. Knowing this will help you and your ophthalmologist decide if the STAAR Toric IOL is the best intraocular lens for your situation.
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What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism (incorrectly referred to as "a stigmatism" by some patients ) is a common condition that may cause blurred vision. The distorted vision is due to the eye's cornea (corneal astigmatism) or lens (lenticular astigmatism) having an irregular shape.
The cornea and lens of a perfectly shaped eye have a smooth circular surface, like a ball. With astigmatism, the cornea or the lens will have more of an oblong, football-like shape.
Levels of Astigmatism – Is Eye Surgery Needed?
A very common eye condition, astigmatism does not always require corrective lenses. Many people have some degree of astigmatism, but a minor level astigmatism is normal and requires no correction. Even if a person needed cataract surgery and had a minor degree of astigmatism, a toric IOL would probably not be necessary.
Blurred or distorted vision is typically experienced by patients with moderate or high degrees of astigmatism. These patients can correct for the vision problem through the use of contact lenses or corrective eyeglasses or through refractive surgery. Patients with blurred vision need to meet with an ophthalmologist to have a comprehensive eye examination.
Astigmatic patients with cataracts, however, can request the use of toric IOLs during their lens replacement surgery. The STAAR Toric IOL is ideal for cataract patients with regular, pre-existing astigmatism.
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Background of Astigmatism Eye Surgery
For the past decade, ophthalmic surgeons have tried several methods to correct preexisting astigmatism during cataract eye surgery, including making incisions into the cornea to alter the shape of the eye. Now due to the unique design of the STAAR Toric IOL, astigmatism can be reduced or corrected without further surgical intervention. Like other intraocular lenses, the STAAR Toric IOL restores focus to the eye when the natural lens or cataract is removed, but it is also designed to correct preexisting astigmatism using the same technology that has been successfully used in contact lenses.
The STAAR Toric IOL is designed for those cataract patients with 1.5 to 3.5 diopters of regular pre-existing astigmatism. The STAAR toric IOL is manufactured of time-tested silicone (RMX-3UV) and have been implanted worldwide.
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Outcome of Cataract Eye Surgery with Pre-existing Astigmatism
A randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study conducted by STAAR Surgical Company has demonstrated that the implantation of the STAAR Toric IOL is associated with clinically significant reduction in astigmatism as compared to implantation of a non-toric IOL during cataract eye surgery for astigmatic patients. Review the images below to view the difference.
If you are an astigmatic cataract patient, the STAAR Toric IOL may be the right intraocular choice for you. The toric IOL has the capability to provide freedom from corrective lenses after cataract surgery.
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The STAAR Toric IOL: May be the single best option for correcting cataracts and astigmatism
The surgery to remove cataracts is an outpatient procedure, and involves replacing the clouded natural lens with an artificial one. However, if you also have astigmatism you may still experience blurred or distorted vision, since the lens typically implanted during ordinary cataract surgery cannot correct this secondary condition.
Astigmatic patients who are planning cataract surgery can request the use of a STAAR Toric IOL during their lens replacement - treating the cataract and the astigmatism at the same time. The STAAR Toric IOL is ideal for cataract patients with regular, pre-existing astigmatism. It has been used safely and effectively in a countless number of procedures.
What makes the STAAR Toric IOL such a good choice?
The STAAR Toric IOL is a revolutionary, single-piece foldable lens that your surgeon implants in your eye during cataract surgery. It is specially designed to correct astigmatism, and help you regain quality vision. The STAAR Toric IOL is the only toric lens made from silicone, a stable, non-toxic and flexible material the human eye comfortably welcomes. Studies show this silicone lens provides greater optical performance and higher quality vision than acrylic lenses, with fewer "aberrations" - distortions in vision that lead to blurring, glare or halos.
Differences can be seen in a comparison of vision with silicone and acrylic lens material.
These exclusive properties of the STAAR Toric IOL make it possible for your surgeon to eliminate or reduce astigmatism during cataract eye surgery and recapture your quality of vision simply and safely.
Open your eyes to quality vision today
The STAAR Toric IOL may be the single best solution for providing quality vision to patients with cataracts and astigmatism. It is the first such lens to be approved by the FDA for its effectiveness, safety and reliability.
If you have a cataract, ask your doctor if the STAAR Toric IOL can also help you eliminate your astigmatism, allowing you to recapture quality vision - and a hassle-free, spontaneous lifestyle.
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Obtain Additional Information on the STAAR Toric IOL
To learn more about the STAAR Toric IOL and its ability to treat astigmatism during cataract surgery, contact STAAR Surgical Company today.
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References
1. Martin RG, Sanders DR. A comparison of higher order aberrations following implantation of four foldable intraocular lens designs. J Refract Surg. 2005;21:716-721.
2. Sarver and Associates, Inc. Effects of lens material properties on unwanted reflections. Multiple Reflections in IOLs.
3. National Eye Institute. Prevalence of Adult Vision Impairment and Age-Related Eye Disease in America Vision Problems in the U.S. 2002; 22-24