Toric IOL – Cataract Treatment

Cataract patients now have the option of reducing or eliminating pre-existing astigmatism with the Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL). This new lens design provides quality distance vision and astigmatism correction all in one step.

In the past, patients undergoing a cataract procedure only had the option of a single-focus lens to correct distance vision. However, they would still have to wear glasses or contact lenses to correct astigmatism. Sometimes, they would undergo additional procedures to correct astigmatism. With the Toric IOL, this astigmatism correction is provided in one step and is more predictable and precise.

Toric IOL Cost

The cost of intraocular lenses can vary by doctor and by location. As a result, it’s difficult to quote a “one size fits all” price for it. In 2017, the average cost for a premium intraocular implant was $1,415 per eye. Please contact Eye Health Partners for an appointment to find out your exact quote.

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Astigmatism

Astigmatism simply means that the curvature of the cornea is irregular. Instead of being shaped like a basketball, its shape resembles a football with both steep and flat curves. These different curvatures in an astigmatic eye cause light to focus at multiple points in the eye instead of focusing only at one point on the retina (the light sensing part of the eye). The result is blurry, distorted vision.

Results

The Toric IOL has been used in more than 25,000 cases nationwide. In clinical trials, 97 percent of patients reported freedom from glasses for distance vision.

Medicare Approved

The Toric IOL is Medicare approved. Medicare and most insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost of this procedure. New insurance guidelines allow the patient to pay the additional costs associated with the Premium Toric IOL because of its astigmatism correction properties. The fees associated with the lens upgrade may be compared to the cost of glasses to correct astigmatism after surgery. In some cases, CareCredit, an independent financing company, may finance the additional fees with approved credit. For more information on payment options, please contact our office or visit www.eyehealthpartners.com/financing to apply.

Benefits and Risks

By treating astigmatism and cataracts in one step, our patients enjoy clearer distance vision while enjoying activities, such as traveling, sports, driving and other hobbies, without the hassle of glasses.

Cataract treatment is among the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery facility under local anesthesia and can be completed within a matter of minutes. However, it is important to understand that with any medical procedure there may be unforeseen complications, and that outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Even with our best efforts, some patients may still require minimal correction to sharpen their vision.

Patient Care

At Eye Health Partners, patient care is of utmost concern to our surgeons and staff. Our surgeons will discuss your lifestyle and vision needs to help you determine which treatment is the best for you. Our goal is to provide the most advanced surgical treatment options while maintaining patient safety and satisfaction.

For more information on the Toric IOL or other treatment options, including cataract surgery, please contact our office.

In addition to the Toric IOL, Eye Health Partners and VisionAmerica offer ReStor and Crystalens intraocular lenses for patients throughout Alabama and Tennessee.