Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRIs)

The outer layer of the eye can be divided into three areas: the cornea, the sclera and the limbus. The cornea is the clear part, or the window, that covers the iris and the pupil. The sclera is the white part of the eye. The limbus is the thin area that connects the cornea and the sclera.

Limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) treat low to moderate degrees of astigmatism. Astigmatism is when the cornea is elliptical rather than spherical. Slight astigmatism can cause blurred vision while strong astigmatism can cause headaches and eyestrain at all distances. As the name suggests, our cornea surgeon makes small relaxing incisions in the limbus, which allows the cornea to become more rounded when it heals. LRIs are placed at the very edge of the cornea (in the limbus) on the steepest meridians.

Limbal Relaxing Incisions are for those:

who have astigmatism
want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
have no health issues affecting their eyes

These incisions are usually made at the time of cataract surgery to reduce or eliminate the astigmatism and thus increase the chances for better vision without eyeglasses. A near prescription will usually still be necessary to read and do close work. Our doctors will discuss the options that make the best sense for you. Some patients that need a limbal relaxing incision after cataract surgery may have this procedure done in the office!

TORIC IOL

In traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon implants a monofocal artificial lens, commonly called an “intraocular lens” (IOL). If you have astigmatism however, you may still experience blurred and distorted vision because a standard IOL cannot correct corneal astigmatism. In January 2007, Medicare approved a new monofocal IOL called the Toric IOL for patients with cataracts and astigmatism. The Toric corrects for both conditions (cataracts and astigmatism) simultaneously.

The Toric IOL is a foldable, single piece lens that is implanted during cataract surgery to replace the clouded lens. The unique design of the Toric IOL makes it possible to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected distance vision. Toric lens provide QUALITY distance vision, independent of eyeglasses and contact lenses.

In a recent FDA study, 97% of patients who had the Toric lens implanted in both eyes reported freedom from their glasses for distance vision. It is important to understand that reading and computer glasses are still required with this lens, however; if a standard lens were used, bifocal glasses would be needed. The Toric IOL can treat both the cataract and astigmatism in one surgical out-patient procedure. If you are interested in learning more about Toric IOL’s, please contact Ophthalmology Associates

Multifocal and Accommodative IOL Surgery (ReSTOR® Lens, Crystalens®, TECNIS®, and Toric Lens)

Several new intraocular lenses (IOLs), called multifocal and/or accommodating IOLs, have been introduced in recent years that utilize advanced technology to achieve good distance, intermediate and near vision without glasses. One such lens is the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® lens, a breakthrough lens that uses apodized diffractive technology (similar to technology used in telescopes and microscopes) to give patients a full range of vision – near through distance – and to reduce dependency on reading glasses or bifocals following cataract surgery. This means that many patients can read the text on items such as prescription bottles, magazines, newspapers and computer screens, while also providing the ability to see items at a distance free from glasses or bifocals.

AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens

As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances – up close, far away and everything in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation. Unfortunately, this ability diminishes as we grow older, causing us to become dependent on bifocals or reading glasses. Thankfully, by combining the strengths of apodized diffractive and refractive technologies, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL can now provide quality near, intermediate and distance vision, and increased independence from reading glasses or bifocals. And now, with the addition of proven aspheric technology, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL takes the advancements one step further, for a lens with enhanced image quality and clarity.

According to the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL clinical studies, three out of four patients implanted in both eyes with the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® reported never wearing glasses following cataract surgery. Additionally, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL clinical studies indicate that over 95% of the study subjects were so satisfied with their new quality vision that they would have the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL implanted again.

Multifocal IOLs have a slightly greater tendency to cause night vision complaints than other IOLs, so those who drive a great deal at night may wish to consider a different IOL. The vast majority of patients with these IOLs, however, are not bothered by night vision complaints. Additionally, multifocal lenses usually need to be implanted in both eyes before full adaptation can occur.

Crystalens® Accommodating Intraocular Lens

Crystalens® accommodating lens, unlike other lens technologies, uses 100% of the available light rays. Working in concert with the eye’s natural muscle, Crystalens® “flexes” to accommodate near, intermediate and distance subjects. Just as the human lens uses the Your browser may not support display of this image. ciliary muscle to move the lens thus allowing a person to focus on the subject at hand, the Crystalens® works in a similar way. The lens rests back in the eye to accommodate distance vision, then gently flexes forward to accommodate intermediate vision, and then flexes further forward for near vision. This movement is enabled by a flexible hinge within the lens.

Crystalens® is the first and only FDA-approved accommodating IOL. Your physician will perform a thorough eye exam to determine if you are a candidate and will fully inform you of any increased risk of complication.

TECNIS® Multifocal Intraocular Lens

Designed to give patients back their youthful vision, the TECNIS Multifocal Lens, provides patients with high-quality vision at any distance, and in any light condition — even in low light. Just introduced by Abbott Laboratories, the advanced TECNIS Multifocal is the only full-surface “diffractive aspheric” IOL. It enables patients to function comfortably without glasses at near, intermediate and far distances. Based upon initial studies, it’s the lens 94% of patients would choose again and nearly 9 out of 10 study patients did not require glasses after their cataract surgery.

If you are diagnosed with cataracts and are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for the TECNIS Multifocal Lens: