Toric Vs. Non-Toric Lenses: What You Need to Know

November 18th, 2020
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After cataract surgery, you want to have the clearest vision possible. But for those with astigmatism, regular intraocular lenses (IOLs) might not be the most beneficial implant choice. Thankfully, you have plenty of toric lens and non-toric lens options to choose from to correct multiple visual impairments in one procedure.

Continue reading for help deciding whether you should opt for toric lenses for your cataract surgery.

What are Toric Lenses?

A toric lens is one type of premium implant used to replace the natural clouded lens during cataract surgery. These weighted IOLs are specially designed to fix both astigmatism (irregularly shaped corneas or lenses that cause blurred vision) and refractive errors.

Toric lenses may be most appropriate for those with corneal astigmatism, which is when the cornea (the clear covering of the eye) is oval shaped rather than spherical. Due to the nature of the surgery, those with lenticular astigmatism (asymmetrical lenses) may no longer need to worry about the error once the lens has been replaced.

Benefits of Toric Lenses

  • It can minimize the reliance on glasses for distance vision after surgery.
  • Toric lenses have a 98% chance of offering 0.75 diopters or less and 94% chance of delivering 0.5 diopters or less.

Disadvantages of Toric Lenses

  • Misaligned lenses or rotations during recovery can cause further blurring that would require a follow-up procedure.
  • Although most insurance plans typically cover cataract surgery, premium IOLs like toric lenses are an added out-of-pocket expense.
  • With monofocal toric lenses, glasses may still be required for near and intermediate vision. However, at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers, we offer multifocal toric lenses to improve eyesight at a range of distances.

What are Non-Toric Lenses?

A non-toric lens is a replacement IOL that does not address astigmatism. Available in monofocal, trifocal, and multifocal varieties, non-toric IOLs are most commonly used for cataract surgery.

Benefits of Non-Toric Lenses

  • The most basic forms are typically covered by insurance.
  • Depending on the lens type, non-toric options can better address near and intermediate vision.

Disadvantages of Non-Toric Lenses

  • Daily eyewear is still necessary to fix astigmatism and provide clear vision.
  • Additional procedures, like limbic relaxing incisions, may be needed to improve astigmatism during or after surgery and can have unpredictable results.

What to Expect During Surgery with Toric IOLs

Cataract surgery with toric lenses is completed using the same basic format as the procedure using non-toric options. Click here to read our full process.

Here are some key differences when using toric IOLs:

  • At your free consultation, the top eye doctors in greater Dallas will conduct additional assessments to determine the necessary toric power of your implants and gauge the required orientation needed to correct astigmatism.
  • During your surgery, your eye doctor will take extra care to properly align the specialized markings on each toric lens to fit the curve of your eye.
  • Although rare, toric lenses may rotate within the first week of recovery, so it is important to keep your follow-up appointments and communicate with your surgeon of drastic visual changes.

Should You Choose a Toric Lens or Non-Toric Lens?

If you have astigmatism and want to remove your daily reliance on glasses or contacts after cataract surgery, then toric lenses may offer a well-rounded solution. Fortunately, you won’t have to decide on your own. The trained and friendly staff at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers can offer guidance on the best lens option for your vision goals.

Turn To The Top Eye Doctors In Texas

Check out one of our locations below for the best eye care near you: