[Toric IOLs after cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange]

Abstract

Patients with astigmatism (e.g. regular or keratoplasty-induced astigmatism) who undergo cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange with a standard monofocal IOL are often disappointed. Toric IOLs (T-IOLs) are, therefore, an excellent alternative for this condition. T-IOLs are now available from companies such as Alcon, Acri, Tec, Humanoptics, Wavelight, Rayner and Staar. Apart from Alcon and Staar who only produce T-IOLs with a fixed torus, all these produce customised lenses. The calculations needed for production of the T-IOLs are generally done by the companies and are based on the corneal astigmatism. T-IOLs have shown good rotational stability and good functional results. Corneal astigmatism can still be measured postoperatively, as it is corrected inside the eye. The referring ophthalmologist should exercise discretion when prescribing spectacles after surgery of this kind.