Blurry or distorted vision from astigmatism can affect everything from reading to driving. At Eye MDs of Inland, Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser offer advanced Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery, restoring sharper, clearer vision and helping you experience life with renewed focus, comfort, and visual freedom.
Correct Astigmatism for Lasting
Visual Clarity
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to focus unevenly and resulting in blurred or distorted vision. A Toric intraocular lens (IOL) is specifically designed to correct this irregular curvature during cataract surgery. During surgery, your cloudy natural lens is replaced with a Toric IOL that compensates for astigmatism, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. The result is a clearer, sharper vision with reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses for everyday activities.
What Does a Toric IOL Treat?
Inside your eye, the cornea and lens work together to bend light precisely onto the retina, creating a clear image. When the cornea or lens is irregularly curved, more oval than round, it causes astigmatism, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. A Toric IOL corrects this imbalance by compensating for the uneven curvature and restoring natural focus.
You may benefit from a Toric IOL if you experience:
- Blurred or fuzzy vision at any distance
- Distorted or stretched images
- Eye strain or headaches from focusing
- Difficulty seeing clearly while reading or driving
Benefits of Toric IOLs
Precise Correction for Astigmatism
Toric IOLs are specifically engineered to match the natural shape of your cornea, compensating for irregular curvature. This customization provides a sharper focus and a more balanced vision, significantly reducing the blurriness and distortion caused by astigmatism.
Clearer Vision at Multiple Distances
By correcting the corneal irregularity that distorts light entering the eye, Toric IOLs enhance distance and intermediate clarity. You’ll notice improved sharpness while driving, watching TV, or recognizing faces, making everyday visual tasks more effortless and enjoyable.
Reduced Dependence on Glasses
Many patients find they no longer need corrective eyewear for most activities after Toric IOL implantation. The improved focusing power reduces reliance on prescription glasses or contact lenses, helping you experience greater visual independence in daily life.
Efficient, Single-procedure Correction
A Toric IOL can be implanted during cataract surgery without altering the procedure, allowing simultaneous correction of cataracts and astigmatism. This helps enhance visual outcomes, eliminates the need for separate surgeries, and accelerates your path to clear vision.
How Does a Toric IOL Differ From a Standard Intraocular Lens?
A standard intraocular lens (IOL) simply replaces your clouded natural lens after cataract removal, but doesn’t correct astigmatism. A Toric IOL, on the other hand, has built-in corrective power that counteracts the uneven curvature of your cornea. This design helps focus light more precisely on your retina, giving you sharper, clearer vision with significantly reduced distortion.
Will I Still Need Glasses After Receiving a Toric IOL?
Many patients who receive a Toric IOL experience excellent distance vision without glasses. However, since Toric IOLs are not multifocal, you may still need reading glasses for near vision tasks like reading or using a smartphone. Some patients choose a monovision setup, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision, to minimize dependence on glasses.
Is the Surgery More Complex or Risky Than Standard Cataract Surgery?
Not at all. Implanting a Toric IOL follows the same steps as standard cataract surgery, with the only difference being the rotational alignment of the lens. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and recovery is typically quick and comfortable. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days with improved visual clarity.
See Life in Perfect Focus Again
Eye MDs of Inland is led by board-certified ophthalmologists Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser, both of whom are trained at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. With extensive experience in cataract and refractive surgery, they use advanced lens technologies, such as Toric IOLs, to correct astigmatism. We treat each patient like a family member and offer compassionate care through each stage of the vision correction journey. Schedule your Toric IOL consultation in Upland, CA, and experience sharper sight.
