Dr. Tyler conducted research that was recently published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in May of this year. The study looked at visual outcomes after cataract surgery using intraocular lenses (IOLs) that are designed to correct for astigmatism (toric IOLs) or designed to provide good vision at both near and far distances (multifocal IOLs).
The surgeries were performed at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas by a group of resident surgeons, including Dr. Roensch during her time in Texas. During cataract surgery, the natural cloudy lens inside the eye is replaced with a clear implant (IOL). Standard IOLs improve vision but do not correct for astigmatism, which can create blurry vision at all distances after cataract surgery. Standard IOLs also cannot provide clear vision at both distance and near at the same time.
Toric and multifocal IOLs address these problems in order to decrease the need for glasses after cataract surgery. Results of the study showed that toric IOLs reduced astigmatism, and multifocal IOLs improved near vision compared with what is expected with standard lenses. These IOLs give patients greater freedom from glasses after cataract surgery.