As a top ophthalmologist in the San Diego area, Dr. Michelson helps patients at Eye Care of La Jolla understand their options when it comes to artificial lens implants, offering a wide selection of state-of-the-art lenses, including multifocal lenses and toric lens implants designed to correct astigmatism.
What Are Toric Lens Implants?
Toric implants are artificial lenses that are designed to help correct astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is abnormally shaped, resulting in an inability to focus clearly, causing blurry vision at all distances. Astigmatism may occur in one eye but more commonly occurs in both eyes, although often at varying degrees. It often occurs along with other refractive vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).
If I Have Toric Lenses Implanted to Correct My Astigmatism, Will I Still Need to Wear Glasses?
Toric implants do not eliminate the need for eyeglasses in most patients; you will probably still need glasses to clearly see distances, but not for close-up activities like reading. In some cases, one eye may be corrected for near and one for far vision. Dr. Michelson will be able to tell you about all your options during your office visit.
What Are Multifocal Lens Implants?
Traditional monofocal lenses are designed to improve vision at one distance – near or far – which means men and women usually need to continue to use glasses for close-up work like reading or using the computer. Multifocal lenses are designed to help people see both near and far without relying on glasses or contact lenses.
How Are Lenses Implanted?
The lens implant procedure is very safe and is performed on an outpatient basis so you can go home soon after your surgery.
A tiny incision is made in the side of the eye behind the iris to enable Dr. Michelson to reach the lens of your eye.
Special instruments are used to gently break apart remove the eye’s natural lens, and then to insert the new artificial lens in its place.
Recovery is quick, with most patients noticing improved vision soon after their procedure.
