Excellent visual outcomes from new AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric IOL for treating astigmatism

The pace of innovation in intra-ocular lens (IOL) technology, surgical techniques and lasers continues to blur the boundaries between cataract and refractive surgery. The launch of the Acrysof IQ ReSTOR Toric IOL is a powerful new addition to Alcon’s AcrySof platform of lenses, and gives surgeons greater options in treating patients with astigmatism.

Dr Peter Ring from Eye Institute inserted his first AcrySof ReSTOR IOL in New Zealand in December 2004 and to date has inserted over 750 AcrySof ReSTOR lenses. In December 2010 he inserted the first AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric IOL and is already convinced that these premium IOLs represent the most technologically advanced implant design currently available for restoring spectacle independence for patients with and without astigmatism.

“I am seeing the same excellent results we see with standard AcrySof Toric lenses and the unpredictability of limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) has gone. The diffractive addition also gives the patient such good near vision and, at the same time, reasonable intermediate vision such as seeing the odometer in their cars. Careful patient selection remains and extra chair time is still involved, but to see the patient satisfaction is always very rewarding,” said Dr Ring.

“This is a significant advancement in IOL technology because it allows me to offer my patients who have pre-existing astigmatism a lens that provides quality vision at all distances after cataract surgery,” said Dr Ring.

“The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric IOL combines the technologies of Alcon’s market-leading AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +3 add multifocal IOL and the AcrySof TORIC IOL and I believe it will expand the advanced technology IOL market.

”Good refractive results and complimentary patient satisfaction depend on a number of important factors so patient selection is important.

“The unaided near vision is superior to that seen with pseudo-accommodative intraocular lenses but the unaided distance vision is sensitive to any residual refractive error. This beholds the ophthalmologist to be accurate with their biometry and formulae but still leaves the issue of dealing with the astigmatism. Patients with up to 0.75D of corneal astigmatism were fine but more than this left residual astigmatism degrading the distance vision.

Ophthalmologists with access to lasers could deal with this easily. Other surgeons had to rely on LRIs with notoriously variable results and an inability to really deal with more than 2.00D of astigmatism,” he said.

The new AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric IOL, which is also on the aspheric platform, allows surgeons to treat up to 2.06D of corneal astigmatism. The new AcrySof IQ ReSTOR IOL can actually treat down to 0.68D of corneal astigmatism.

Patients are thrilled with their outcomes. Paul Farrands said it had been a worthwhile experience; especially now he was no longer dependent on spectacles.

“My close vision has improved immensely. I don’t go near glasses now,” he said.

Judy O’Grady said the visual results were beyond expectation.

“I love this lens. I am very grateful for the wonderful results of my cataract eye surgery with the insertion of the AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric IOL. The outcome has far exceeded my expectations and I give my heartfelt thanks to Dr Peter Ring and Jasha, his cataract technician,” she said.

Dr Ring said the AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric IOL offers an efficient, safe and predictable approach to managing corneal astigmatism in cataract patients and he and his patients are experiencing quality vision at all distances with increased spectacle independence.