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What is Astigmatism?

Forty percent (40%) of the population has 1 diopter (D) or more of astigmatism. Correcting it at the time of cataract surgery is generally advisable to improve results and reduce dependence on corrective lenses after surgery. An astigmatic cornea is football-shaped or oval causing light to be focused into two points. Uncorrected vision is blurred and corrective lenses are required. The goal of astigmatism surgery is to modify the cornea so its shape is made more spherical or implant an astigmatism-correcting toric intraocular lens (IOL). With either approach, light is focused onto the retina as one crisp point.


Vision with cataract & astigmatism -clouded, blurred

Vision after cataract surgery without astigmatism correction. Corrective lenses or additional surgery may be necessary

Vision after cataract surgery with astigmatism correction. Reduce dependence on corrective lenses in one step.

There are several methods to correct astigmatism that can be considered each designed to reduce or eliminate astigmatism:

View: How astigmatism procedures work