Toric Lens

Do you want to see clearly without glasses, but constantly have to change your frames due to astigmatism? Are laser procedures like LASIK not suitable for you? Then toric smart lenses might be the perfect solution! Specially designed for individuals with astigmatism, toric lenses correct not only near or distance vision, but also the refractive error itself. These lenses can also be implanted during cataract surgery, offering you sharp vision and freedom from glasses — all in one solution. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about what a toric smart lens is, who it’s suitable for, and how the procedure works.
 

What Is a Toric Smart Lens?

A toric smart lens is an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) specifically designed for eyes with astigmatism. Unlike standard IOLs, toric lenses have a special cylindrical design that corrects both the degree and axis of the astigmatism. In addition to correcting myopia and hyperopia, these lenses effectively eliminate astigmatism. Toric lenses are commonly used in cataract patients and offer an excellent alternative for those who are not suitable candidates for laser surgery.
 

Who Is a Toric Lens Suitable For?

• Individuals with moderate to high astigmatism

• Patients with cataracts

• Those who no longer want to use glasses or contact lenses

• Individuals not eligible for LASIK or PRK procedures

• Adults over 40 with stable vision prescription
   

Who Is Not Suitable for a Toric Lens?

• People with mild astigmatism who see comfortably with glasses

• Individuals with retinal diseases (e.g., macular degeneration)

• Patients with glaucoma — requires physician evaluation

• Young individuals under 20 with unstable prescriptions
   

How Is Toric Lens Surgery Performed?

Toric lens implantation is performed using a method very similar to standard cataract surgery.

Step-by-step process:

1. Comprehensive eye exam: Astigmatism level and eye structure are analyzed

2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied using eye drops — the procedure is painless

3. Lens removal: The natural lens is removed with an ultrasonic device (phaco method)

4. Toric lens implantation: The toric lens is carefully positioned and aligned to the correct astigmatic axis

The surgery typically takes 15–20 minutes, and the patient is discharged the same day.
 

Advantages of Toric Smart Lenses

• Permanent correction of astigmatism

• Significant reduction or elimination of dependence on glasses or contact lenses

• Prevention of cataract development

• Natural visual experience and high-definition clarity

• Effective solution for those unsuitable for laser eye surgery
   

Postoperative Care for Toric Lens Patients

• Do not rub or touch the eyes after surgery

• Avoid heavy exercise or sports for the first week

• Use eye drops as prescribed by your doctor

• Stay away from pools, saunas, and the sea for at least 2 weeks

• Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses outdoors
   

Is a Toric Lens a Permanent Solution?

Yes! Toric smart lenses are designed to remain in the eye for a lifetime and usually do not require replacement. Since the natural lens is removed, there is no risk of developing cataracts in the future. In some cases, the membrane behind the lens may become cloudy over time — this can be resolved quickly with a simple laser treatment (YAG capsulotomy).
 

Comparison: Toric vs. Standard Intraocular Lenses