Lens Implants for Astigmatism

Question: I have astigmatism and am having cataract surgery. If I have the lens implants for astigmatism, will I ever need glasses for distance. I realize I will need glasses for reading and computer but will I ever need correction for astigmatism again?

Answer: Lens Implants for astigmatism correction after Cataract Surgery-or toric lens implants-help to correct vision at distance as you have stated. They correct the astigmatism portion of your prescription at all distances but do not replace the focusing ability required to see at arm's length or near. The question of whether or not you will ever need an additional correction for astigmatism really depends on whether or not the shape of your cornea changes over the years to come. For the vast majority of patients who have Cataract Surgery there is little or no additional change in prescription over time. There is a VERY slight predisposition toward a slight increase in what is called "against the rule" astigmatism-but it is slight over a relatively long time horizon and occurs because of the normal change in shape of the cornea with age-with or without Cataract Surgery.

So the simple answer to your question is that no one can guarantee that you will never need glasses for seeing at distance again but there is a high probability that you will be able to enjoy "glasses free" distance vision for many many years with an astigmatism correcting lens implant.

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