Each of the three toric IOLs corrects a different range of astigmatism. If the amount of astigmatism you needed to correct was in the range of the T4 model, that would be your choice. Then you would need to determine which power of the T4 would give you the vision target you wanted. Let's say you wanted good distance vision. After plugging several measurements of your eye into a complex formula, the IOL Master would generate predictions about which power of the T4 would place you at plano, at -.25, at -50, etc.
If you have significant astigmatism, your vision would be blurry at all distances without glasses or contacts with a regular monofocal IOL. With a toric (monofocal) IOL, you could reasonably expect to be able to perform some tasks without glasses.
Hi Jodie:
Do you mean every Toric IOL started with monofocal IOL? If a patient wants a Toric IOL (model T4) for distance, then someone will place an order through Alcon. Alcon will take a monofocal IOL for distance and tailor additional feature perT4 spec and ship to Hospital. Patient still needs progress glasses for intermediate and near ranges. Only difference for patient implants with Toric IOL (for distance) and patient implants with monofocal IOL for distance is the one implant with Toric does not need eye glass for distance and the one implanted with monofocal IOL needs glasses all the time.
Correct me if I am wrong.
You're a little confused. Each of the three toric IOL models corrects a different range of astigmatism. Otherwise, a toric IOL is like any other monofocal IOL. It's the IOL's power that determines whether your best vision is at distance, intermediate, or near. As Dr. Hagan stated, progressive glasses will give you good vision at all distances.
These IOLs are MONO focal they can be set for one of the three but not all. Most people use progressive bifocals to see at all ranges or choose monofocal or mini monofocal to see at two ranges without glasses.
JCH MD