Like cataracts, astigmatism and presbyopia are common eye conditions that tend to develop and worsen with age. As such, many people who have cataracts also suffer from astigmatism and/or presbyopia. When cataract surgery1 addresses only cataracts, patients with astigmatism or presbyopia will still rely on glasses or contacts to see clearly. At Beach Eye Medical, we offer custom cataract surgery to address astigmatism and/or presbyopia during cataract surgery. Patients who opt to have custom cataract surgery often see better than they did before cataracts developed and are far less reliant upon prescription lenses to see clearly in all situations.
Astigmatism2 is a visual condition that occurs when there is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea (the clear part of the eye that covers the pupil and the iris). An astigmatic cornea is shaped more like a football than a beach ball. When the cornea is unevenly curved, light does not focus sharply on the retina, causing blurry vision for objects at all ranges of vision.
Presbyopia, the inability to focus on objects in the near range of vision, is a condition that affects most people over the age of 40. Individuals with presbyopia usually wear bifocals, trifocals, or reading glasses to allow them to perform near distance tasks, such as reading a book or using the computer.
Beach Eye Medical Group is the exclusive provider of the C.L.E.A.R.® (Custom Lens Exchange and Astigmatism Revision) Upgrade in Southern California. This service provides additional testing before, during, and after cataract surgery, which allows our eye surgeons to customize your surgery so that it addresses common eye conditions like astigmatism and presbyopia. The C.L.E.A.R.® Upgrade may also include the implantation of advanced intraocular lenses3, rather than traditional mono-focal lenses, which cannot correct astigmatism or presbyopia.
Custom cataract surgery generally follows the same process as traditional or laser cataract surgery, but with a few variations.
| Handpiece | Indications | |
| Recommended IOL | Toric lenses | Multifocal IOL or Accommodating IOL |
| Revisions during surgery | Limbal relaxation incisions may be made alone or combined with implantation of Toric lenses | No additional revisions required |
| Glasses after surgery? | Reading glasses may still be required | Many patients will no longer require prescription lenses |
If you suffer from cataracts along with astigmatism and/or presbyopia, custom cataract surgery is the best way to improve your vision. If you suffer from any of these conditions, we encourage you to consult with our experienced team of eye doctors to learn more about Custom Cataract Surgery and the CLEAR® Upgrade.
References
1 Cataract Surgery. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cataract-surgery
2 Astigmatism. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/astigmatism/symptoms-causes/syc-20353835
3 IOLs (Intraocular Lenses). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/25099-iols-intraocular-lenses
I get my eyes checked every year for various issues, including a former retinal tear, potential macular degeneration, and beginning cataracts. With an early appointment they were efficient and safe during check-in and the exams. This is important to me given my vulnerability to Covid, since I am 70 years old with heart issues. The exams were thorough, professional, safe and friendly. Dr. McCluskey and the medical staff are outstanding. I will definitely be back next year.
