Can cataract surgery correct astigmatism?

If you’ve been told you have astigmatism and also need cataract surgery, you may be wondering: can both issues be treated at the same time?

The answer is yes, thanks to modern advancements in lens technology and surgical precision, cataract surgery can now also correct astigmatism.

In this article, we’ll explain what astigmatism is, how it affects your vision, and how cataract surgery with toric lens implants can help you enjoy sharper, more balanced sight.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common condition where the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) or the lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, it’s shaped more like a rugby ball.

This causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, leading to:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Eye strain or headaches
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night.

It often occurs alongside other vision problems like short-sightedness or long-sightedness.

Why cataract surgery is an opportunity to correct astigmatism

When you have cataract surgery, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. If you also have astigmatism, your surgeon can use a toric intraocular lens to correct it during the same procedure.

This means:

• One surgery
• One recovery
• A significant improvement in overall vision.

What are toric lens implants?

Toric lenses are specially designed to correct the uneven curvature of the eye that causes astigmatism. Like other premium lenses, they are customised to your eye measurements.

Benefits include:

• Sharper distance vision
• Reduced need for glasses
• Better overall clarity.

In the private setting, you’ll have access to a full range of toric lenses,including options that also correct near vision (multifocal toric lenses).

How does Professor Paul Ursell treat astigmatism during cataract surgery?

With private cataract surgery, you receive:

• Advanced diagnostic scans to accurately map your astigmatism
• Custom lens selection based on your eye shape and visual goals
• Surgical precision to ensure the lens is positioned correctly.

Professor Ursell has extensive experience treating astigmatism and uses the latest techniques to ensure your lens is aligned to deliver the best possible outcome.

Will I still need glasses after surgery?

That depends on the type of lens chosen. With a toric monofocal lens:

• You may not need glasses for distance vision
• You will likely still need reading glasses.

With a toric multifocal lens, many patients are able to see well at all distances, without needing glasses for most tasks.

Your surgeon will help you weigh the pros and cons of each lens type based on your lifestyle.

What if i’ve already had cataract surgery without correcting astigmatism?

If you’ve had cataract surgery in the past but still have blurry vision due to astigmatism, you may be eligible for a secondary procedure or laser vision correction. A thorough assessment is needed to explore your options.

Is astigmatism correction safe?

Yes. Correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery is safe, effective, and now a routine part of private cataract care.

However, lens positioning is critical. If the toric lens rotates even slightly, it can reduce its effectiveness. That’s why it’s important to choose an experienced consultant like Professor Ursell, who ensures optimal outcomes.

Final thoughts

If you have both cataracts and astigmatism, there’s no need to live with blurred or distorted vision. Thanks to advanced toric lenses, cataract surgery can correct both problems at once.

Private cataract surgery gives you access to more options and more control over your visual future.

Take the suitability self-test to see if you’re a candidate for cataract surgery with astigmatism correction.