Advances in intraocular lens implant technology provides a reliable and effective option for patients with astigmatism. Until the introduction of toric intraocular lens implants, people undergoing cataract procedures could only have their nearsightedness and farsightedness corrected with lens implants during the surgery but not the astigmatism. Astigmatism is caused by the cornea being more curved in one direction than the other, much like a football.

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The AcrySof® IQ Toric Astigmatism Correcting Intraocular Lens Toric intraocular lens implants are specially designed to offset the imbalance created by the oblong shape of the cornea. Once implanted and aligned inside the eye, they are able to eliminate the majority of any pre-existing astigmatism. Toric lenses are able to correct vision for the distance usually to the point where only over-the-counter readers are necessary after cataract surgery. This is a great option for patients that do not want to be dependent upon bifocals.

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Medicare allows patients to upgrade their vision using advanced lens implant technology like the toric lens. The standard intraocular lens implant is covered by medical insurance (including Medicare), but the toric lens technology is not covered. Patients are responsible for the out-of-pocket costs associated with the upgraded premium lens implant technology.