Trends In Treating Astigmatism

The surgical revolution in treating astigmatism began with the onset of Radial Keratotomy (RK) in the late 1970's and continued into the era of Laser Vision Correction. When a cataract was to be replaced, if you had astigmatism you either had to undergo a procedure like RK called a Limbal Relaxing Incision (LRI) during or after the surgery, or a laser procedure like LASIK or PRK. These all work well.

About 5 years ago there was a new development in Intra-Ocular Lenses (IOL) that not only improved vision after cataract surgery, but also treated astigmatism: Toric IOL's. A study of refractive cataract surgeons like our Dr. White recently reported that 75% now prefer to use these new IOL's rather than LRI's in patients with astigmatism.

"We really like the Alcon Toric IOL when we are aiming to make our  Cleveland patients independent from glasses for their distanc vision needs like driving or watching TV," said Dr. White.  "Our golfers are particularly happy!"

Extra pre-operative measurements like corneal topography are necessary to choose both the power and the orientation of the IOL. Once it's in the eye it is amazingly stable!

The technology of cataract surgery now includes multiple ways to address astigmatism. Dr. White and a majority of the top surgeons in the United States are now opting for a Toric IOL in cases where astigmatism is treated during the surgery.

I Like Wearing Glasses!

Some of the coolest things in all of eye care are about seeing well without wearing glasses. We have contact lenses of all types, Laser Vision Correction with LASIK and PRK,  and all types of lenses that we can put inside your eyes so that you can see well without wearing glasses. Heck, we even have things that will help you if you have "over-40" eyes and need to wear readers!

But some people actually LIKE wearing glasses! There are lots of really good reasons for this, too. Some people can't wear contact lenses, and others just can't even think about any type of surgery on their eyes. No problem! The technology behind eyeglasses and the lenses is just as advanced as it is for things like contacts and implants that go inside the eye.

On top of that wearing glasses can let you express yourself. Think of all the options to accessorize!! Some of us like to do that with sunglasses (remember all those pictures of Dr. White, Dr. Schlegel, and Dr. Kaye in their shades?!), and there are people who change their glasses with each different outfit. We LOVE people who do that!

There is one trend that we are trying to understand, though. The whole eyeglasses with not only no prescription, but NO LENSES has us a bit confused. Maybe LeBron can help up with this one.