AcrySof Toric IOL FAQ

in Portsmouth & Seacoast, New Hampshire

The following information answers questions that we frequently hear from our patients about AcrySof Toric IOL however, some of these questions also apply to Cataract Surgery and other intraocular lenses (IOLs) including: ReStor, and Crystalens. For more information, please contact us.

What does IOL mean?

IOL stands for Intraocular lens.

What are IOLs?

Intraocular lenses are artificial lenses created to replace clouded natural lenses, caused by cataracts. In addition, IOL’s can be implanted “electively”.  This means patients who want to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses, who may not have visually significant cataracts, can also have the procedure.  The cost of procedure would be paid for without the assistance of their insurance company.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are patches that form in the eye’s crystalline lens and are caused by changes in water and proteins that make up the lens. Over time, cataracts cloud the lens and do not allow light to reach the retina, producing blurred vision.

How do I know if I have cataracts?

At first, it's hard to tell. You'll notice some deterioration of your vision, such as more sensitivity to lights at night, colors look less vivid and bright, double vision, or some blurriness. Initially, a new glasses or contact lens prescription might help, but at some point, cataract surgery may become necessary. If cataracts develop in both eyes, each eye can be treated separately, so you retain your vision and functionality in between surgery dates.

How do I know if I need AcrySof Toric IOL?

Only your eye doctor or eye surgeon can tell you for sure. However, if you have cataracts, are a candidate for cataract surgery, and are trying to correct astigmatism, AcrySof Toric IOL may be a good option for you.

How is AcrySof Toric IOL different from ReStor and Crystalens?

AcrySof Toric is a special intraocular lens (“IOL”) created for cataract patients who suffer from astigmatisms. ReStor and Crystalens IOLs treat distance vision as well as presbyopia, an age-related condition that typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 and keeps the eye from focusing at all distances.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is an extra curvature in the cornea where the cornea is shaped like a football instead of a basketball. This uneven shape bends light rays so they do not focus precisely on the retina, resulting in blurred vision.

Are there different kinds of cataracts?

Yes, there are three main kinds:

• Nuclear cataracts - the most common kind, that comes with advancing years, and begins in the center of the lens;

• Cortical cataracts - develops in diabetics and begin at the edge of the lens - extending inwards - causing blindness when they reach the center;

• Subcapsular cataracts - also found in people with diabetes, in young people, and/or those who take steroids over a long period of time. These cataracts develop rapidly starting in the back of the lens and produce symptoms such as glare, difficulty with night driving, and reading.

What causes cataracts?

The cause isn't clear, however, studies have been done that suggest some risk factors include:

• Diabetes

• Prolonged use of steroids

• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight)

• Exposure to cosmic radiation

• Over-consumption of alcohol

• Prolonged exposure to air pollution

• Exposure to lead

Do only older people get cataracts?

No. Advancing age is certainly a predisposing factor, and by the age of 75 or so, nearly everyone is said to have at least the beginning of a cataract. However, some babies are born with congenital cataracts, some apparently inherited, and others, the result of the mother having an infectious disease while pregnant, such as chickenpox or German measles. Young healthy patients can also develop cataracts as stated above.

Is cataract surgery dangerous to your eyes?

All surgery carries some risk, and cataract surgery is no exception. However, cataract surgery is the most commonly performed procedure in the U.S., and if you choose an experienced refractive surgeon, risk is minimal.

Is cataract surgery done with a laser?

Most commonly the lens is removed with ultrasound rather than a laser to break up the lens with the cataract before removing it. Also, after some surgeries, the pocket, or membrane that encloses the eye's lens becomes cloudy after the lens is removed, and in these cases, a laser can be used to make a clear opening in that membrane, so that vision isn't impeded.

How much time must go by before the second eye is treated?

The second surgery can be performed one day after the first surgery, but we prefer to wait at least a week to ensure the first operative eye is healing well.

I wear contact lenses. Can I wear them to your office for cataract surgery?

No. We will be taking a number of measurements of your eyes. These measurements enable us to measure the thickness and curvature of your eye. It is important that candidates do not wear the following prior to the diagnostic evaluation and surgery:

• soft contact lenses for 5 days;

• toric lenses for 2 weeks; or

• hard contact lenses for 8 weeks.