Vision and balance changes after bilateral implantation of Toric versus non-Toric intraocular lenses in cataract patients with astigmatism

The University of Plymouth is currently conducting a research project with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust to compare two types of intraocular lens used in cataract surgery.

During cataract surgery the natural lens within the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOLs). The standard IOL used within the NHS are single-focus and give clear vision at one distance (near, mid-distance or distant) but do not correct astigmatism. About one in five patients who require cataract surgery also have astigmatism, an eye condition where the front clear covering of the eye (cornea) is not round. This distortion makes vision blurry at all distances.

People with even mild astigmatism may need to wear contact lenses or spectacles for clear vision. Astigmatism not only results in blurry vision, it has been shown to affect a person’s quality of life and increase their risk of falls.

Standard IOLs do not correct astigmatism but a modern type of IOLs, called Toric IOLs have the additional ability to correct astigmatism resulting in better vision and reducing the need for spectacles when compared to standard lenses. As reduced vision is often associated with poor balance and risk of falls, full correction of vision may improve balance and help to reduce these risks, especially for older adults.

Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the improvement on vision and balance in activities such as stair walking, turning, and avoiding obstacles between cataract patients receiving standard lenses to those receiving Toric lenses.

We are inviting people who have cataracts and astigmatism in both eyes who have been referred for cataract replacement surgery with intraocular lenses for both eyes at the Plymouth Royal Eye Infirmary.