New Lens Implants Can Correct Astigmatism after Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The lens becomes opaque yellow or prevention of light and images to reach the retina. They most often affect older patients, but can appear in younger individuals as well. Although the most common type of cataract is trauma associated with age, oxidative stress caused by drugs, poor nutrition, environment and disease or congenital problems may precipitate the lens opacities in young people. Over the years, surgery to correct this problem common vision has been developed in various dramatic ways.

The first cataract surgery procedures affecting the lenses be removed and the patient had to wear very thick glasses to see. This raises several optical problems that were corrected with the best contact lenses. Over the years, the first intraocular lens implant was developed. This first objective was placed in front of the iris (colored part of the eye), and replaces the natural lens in power to refract light to the retina. It quickly became apparent that the vibrations in this implant damaged the internal layer of the cornea called the endothelium. On this occasion, in turn, gave rise to an opaque cornea and the need for a corneal transplant.

This problem was solved by the next generation of lens implants that are placed behind the iris, and were called implants camera later. They were far enough away from guaranteed cornea, so that they had no impact on it. These first lens implants were quite large, and requires a large incision to remove the natural lens implant and the new. As time progressed, Phacoimulsification became the procedure of choice for cataract surgeons. This revolutionized the procedure. A small incision is necessary, and as a result fewer sutures are needed. Throughout this time, folding wine over the implants that could be inserted into the eye through the small opening.

The next breakthrough was the removal of cataracts, and insert the implant directly through the cornea. This approach requires no stitches and, therefore, healing time was further reduced, as was the discomfort of the patient. The pressing problem that plagued surgeons cataract is to be able to eliminate the need for glasses after surgery. To that end, much stronger than implants have been developed several focal points, absorbing UV IOL and many other options that have been used. Some of them have worked well, while others have failed. A more problematic residual problem has been how to correct astigmatism after this surgery. At first, glasses had to be taken to correct astigmatism uncorrected. Then, some surgeons advocated making incisions in the cornea to reduce or eliminate post-surgical astigmatism. While this therapeutic approach was quite successful, most patients do not want a new procedure note if necessary.

Recently, astigmatism problem has been solved. The STA Toric IOL is now available, and can correct up to 3.50 diopters of corneal astigmatism. This means that most people who have astigmatism before surgery can choose to have this new IOL implanted at the time of surgery, and have their astigmatism corrected so you do not need glasses for distance after the procedure. The implant works like a contact lens history. When seen in the eye, there are brands of peripherals to evaluate the positioning of the lens. The results so far have been very good with only a few patients complain of glare. These implants are not covered by most insurance companies and there fore must be paid by the patient.

Always ask your surgeon about options for implants before surgery to see if there is anything better than any suite visual needs.