Almost half of Poles have vision problems, and one in ten of us suffers from astigmatism. In practice, this means blurred contours, a hazy image, a disturbed sense of space. These problems are exacerbated when this disease is accompanied by cataracts (and this happens in about 20% of astigmatics). Then the risk of serious accidents increases exponentially. You can easily get rid of both diseases. It is enough to undergo one treatment, which from July 1 this year. reimbursed by the National Health Fund. There is only one condition.
Thanks to the changes in the principles of financing cataract treatment introduced on July 1, 2018, patients have gained much better access to intraocular toric lenses, which eliminate the problem of cataracts and astigmatism during one treatment.
Astigmatism – how to detect it?
Astigmatism is one of the three most common eye disorders. The disease results from the unevenness of the cornea (the outer layer of the eye). This deformation causes the light rays to refract incorrectly and reach the retina in a diffused form, focusing not in one, as in a healthy eye, but on many points. This defect may appear as early as childhood, and if not corrected, it can be dangerous.
– Due to the disturbed structure of the optical system, the vision of objects is blurred both at a distance and at close range. The discomfort of vision and fatigue is especially troublesome for drivers and people working at the computer, because they use their eyes intensively during their work, explains Dr. Jarosław Marek, an ophthalmologist from the Spectrum Clinical Ophthalmology Center in Wrocław.
To detect astigmatism, you need to undergo an ophthalmological examination. The fastest way to identify it is during a computerized visual examination. Devices for carrying it out are widely available in ophthalmic offices and optical salons. The examination itself is similar to taking a photo of the eye, it takes a few minutes and is completely painless.
Astigmatism and cataracts – often companions
Astigmatism can occur in conjunction with cataracts (the most common cause of blindness) – especially in people over the age of 60. Significant astigmatism (over 1,5 diopters) occurs in as much as 20 percent. cataract patients. This results in a dangerous connection, which greatly reduces the quality of life of the elderly and their safety (eg it makes it difficult to pass through the lanes, estimate the distance to an oncoming vehicle or descend from stairs) – says Dr. Jarosław Marek, MD, PhD.
Astigmatism can be corrected with cylindrical eyeglass lenses, toric contact lenses or laser treatment. However, for people who also have cataracts, it is best to use toric artificial intraocular lenses. They are implanted during cataract surgery, getting rid of both problems at the same time.
Importantly, from July 1, 2018, the National Health Fund refunds such treatments. The only condition is the implantation of an astigmatism correcting lens with a power of at least 2 diopters.
Intraocular toric lenses – a huge advance in the fight to improve visual comfort
Intraocular single vision toric lenses are available as standard “at the National Health Fund”. This type of lens corrects astigmatism and provides sharp vision up to one specific distance – usually far away. After such surgery, the patient will need glasses for reading, using a computer or a smartphone.
There are also intraocular toric lenses, the use of which can completely eliminate the need for glasses. These are multifocal lenses. We divide it into:
- Bifocal lenses – enable comfortable vision both near and far. They are recommended for people with an active lifestyle who would like to become independent from the need to wear corrective glasses.
- Trifocal lenses – especially recommended for people who often use a computer, mobile phone or spend a lot of time reading. They enable sharp vision at intermediate distances, which makes them very well imitate the accommodation of the eye with the natural lens.
Implantation of a toric or toric multifocal lens is a huge advance that significantly improves visual comfort and thus quality of life.
Multifocal lenses provide the possibility of correcting presbyopia, i.e. the deterioration of vision at close distances that appears around the age of 50. These lenses concentrate the light in two focal points, allowing you to see far and close without wearing reading glasses.
– The advantage of the models of trifocal intraocular lenses is also good indirect vision, which is especially useful when using a smartphone, laptop or car navigation. Implantation of multifocal lenses into the eyes with presbyopia technologically brings patients closer to natural, “young” vision. In the case of patients with astigmatism, it is recommended to use multifocal toric lenses and correct even the slightest corneal astigmatism, which results in obtaining appropriate results and meeting the patient’s expectations – concludes Dr. Jarosław Marek, MD.