Dr Moïse Tourabaly · Key points
An astigmatic cornea does not have the same curvature in every direction, like a rugby ball. During cataract surgery, a toric implant corrects this astigmatism at the same time as it replaces the lens, on one condition: it must be placed on the right axis.
A standard implant replaces the lens but leaves the cornea's astigmatism: the image stays stretched along one axis, and distance glasses are still needed.
The toric implant incorporates a cylindrical correction, calculated at the pre-operative assessment. During surgery, its peripheral marks are aligned with the axis of the corneal astigmatism: the two cancel each other out and distance vision is sharp without glasses.
If the implant rotates after placement, the compensation decreases with the offset. A large rotation may call for repositioning, a simple procedure in the following weeks: this is what the follow-up visits check.
Offered in cases of regular, stable corneal astigmatism, without progressive keratoconus. Power and axis are calculated at the assessment (biometry and topography). Also available as a toric multifocal or toric EDOF. The assessment decides.
Educational diagram · Dr Moïse Tourabaly, ophthalmologist. Proportions are illustrative. It does not replace a consultation.