Astigmatism & Toric Lens Implants

Question: If you have astigmatism do you have to use a toric lens implant in cataract surgery? If so, do insurance companies normally cover the cost of the toric lens? Can a regular lens be used if the patient is still planning on wearing glasses to help with vision and astigmatism?


Answer: Patients who require correction of astigmatism and need Cataract Surgery really have two basic options for seeing clearly after their eye surgery. The first is to have a toric lens implant used as part of the procedure. The second is to have the astigmatism corrected with eyeglasses after the Cataract operation. In either case the necessary correction for astigmatism could be achieved providing the appropriate vision correction. The vast majority of insurance companies do not cover the cost of a toric lens implant for astigmatism, nor do they cover the cost of eyewear and eyeglasses unless the patient has a specific optical coverage plan.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.