They looked for factors that can make the evidence less certain, such as problems with the way the studies were done, very small studies, and inconsistent findings across studies. The studies compared toric IOLs with LRIs for people with astigmatism who were having cataract surgery.Ĭochrane researchers assessed how certain the evidence is for each review finding. These studies took place in China (three studies), UK (three), Brazil (one), India (one), Italy (one) and Spain (one). In order to achieve best possible vision after surgery for people with astigmatism it is important to understand the best way to correct it.Ĭochrane researchers found 10 relevant studies. Cataract surgery is a common operation and astigmatism is also a common condition. However, during cataract surgery there are two possible ways of correcting the astigmatism, either by putting in a special 'toric' lens, or by performing special incisions known as limbal relaxing incisions. Usually this astigmatism is corrected by spectacles. In some people, astigmatism is large enough to cause significant visual blurring. In most eyes, astigmatism is slight and does not cause any symptoms. Because of this shape, the eye focuses light imperfectly onto the retina and this is known as astigmatism.

The normal cornea is not perfectly dome-shaped it is commonly described as being shaped like a rugby ball. Eye doctors can perform an operation to remove the cataract and replace it with a clear artificial IOL. The clear window at the front of the eye (the cornea) focuses light onto the ‘film’ at the back of the eye (the retina). There was a lack of evidence on which of these techniques represents best value for money.Īs people get older, the lens within the eye can become cloudy: this is known as a cataract. The difference in average astigmatism may be small and there may be little or no difference in vision or quality of life. The review shows that toric IOLs probably provide a higher chance of a good outcome with respect to astigmatism after cataract surgery compared with LRIs. Cochrane researchers collected and analysed all relevant studies to answer this question and found 10 studies. The aim of this Cochrane Review was to find out how toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) compare with limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) for correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery.

Limbo relaxing incision