Yes, you can fix astigmatism during cataract surgery. Astigmatism describes an irregularity in the shape of the cornea. This creates a distortion that makes vision blurry. Many people wear contact lenses or glasses to correct the problem. In the past, cataract surgery was performed without correcting pre-existing astigmatism. Patients would have to wear their glasses or contacts afterward to see clearly.
Why Should Astigmatism Be Corrected During Cataract Removal?
There are several reasons you should consider fixing astigmatism during cataract surgery.
- Astigmatism Can Increase Post-Op – Many patients notice an increase in astigmatism after their surgery. Correcting it during the procedure will help eliminate this issue, allowing the patient to see better once they have recovered.
- Improves Long-Term Patient Vision – Eye conditions can appear as a person ages. These can decrease vision. Correcting astigmatism now will help improve the patient’s outlook years from now.
- Patient Satisfaction – Many patients appreciate the results of corrected astigmatism after cataract surgery. This leads to higher patient satisfaction and can help keep the quality of life better with improved eyesight.
How Is Astigmatism Fixed During Cataract Surgery?
Your surgeon can adjust the shape of the cornea while performing cataract surgery. This is done by making a small incision to create a round shape. This will match the implanted lens and allow for a significant improvement in eyesight. The ophthalmologist can also opt for a football-shaped lens that is placed in a way that neutralizes the effects of astigmatism.
Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule an appointment to learn more about cataract removal and astigmatism.