Investigating the AcrySof toric IOL

A recent study in the Journal of Ophthalmology has shown that the AcrySof toric IOL is more stable and provides better vision in cataract patients with pre-existing astigmatism, compared with an AcrySof spherical IOL.

The research, led by Dr Edward Holland of the Cincinnati Eye Institute, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA investigated vision and rotational stability of the AcrySof Toric IOL in subjects with cataracts and pre-existing corneal astigmatism in comparison to its spherical equivalent.

There were 517 participants in the 1-year randomized, subject-masked, parallel-group, multicentre trial, 256 of whom had the toric implant and 261 had the control IOL implant. The results demonstrated that the toric lens gave better visual acuity - 20/20 or better - for both corrected and uncorrected vision. The mean absolute residual refractive cylinder was lower for the toric lens and the mean rotation was less than 4º. Additionally, the percentage of patients who were spectacle-free after six months was higher for those with the toric implant in comparison with the control group.

Based on the results of the study the researchers concluded that the favourable efficacy, rotational stability, distance vision spectacle freedom and safety results supports the use of Alcon's AcrySof Toric IOL for patients with cataracts and corneal astigmatism.