Question about Toric IOL and upcoming cataract surgery

[coprogirl]

My ophthalmologist has recommended a toric lens for my upcoming cataract surgery on my amblyotic eye. I believe I have a "mild" astigmatism. The out-of-pocket expense will be more than $2000 dollars for this IOL. I'm hopeful that this will help that eye to see(although I know there are no guarantees). My question is, would it be necessary to have a toric on the "good" eye also? I want the best possible outcome, but money is tight.

Thanks, Linda

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[coprogirl]

Thanks so much for you replies. This forum is a treasure trove of information, and your dedication is duly noted.

Linda

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If you are wearing glasses now and the astigmatism is mild and the eye is amblyopic it is probably NOT worth the extra money to get a toric IOL. A high quality monofocal aspheric IOL will work just fine.  By placing the incision in the axis of your astigmatism and using more steroid drops and making the incision a little long I found that I could correct about 0.50 to 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. a LRI incision will also be much cheaper than $2000.

For most people. Not worth the extra money.

JCH MD

[JodieJ]

If your good eye does not have astigmatism, there would be no need for a toric lens.

If money is a major concern and the astigmatism in your amblyotic eye is only mild, you could probably use a conventional IOL and perhaps a limbal relaxing incision.  Perhaps the forum doctor can offer you an opinion about this.