Augmented reality, astigmatism and cataract surgery

In my two previous posts, I talked about what astigmatism is and how laser eye surgery corrects it. But what about if you have astigmatism and you are having cataract surgery? Can it be fixed or are you still left with it afterwards?

The short answer is yes; astigmatism can be fixed by cataract surgery. Remember how astigmatism is like having a rugby ball shaped eye? Well because cataract surgery involves removing the old lens, then if you have astigmatism, then a new lens of the correct rugby ball shape can be put in to replace it.

This new lens has to be orientated in the appropriate way to correct your astigmatism properly. Newer technology allows me to use an "augmented reality" projection in my microscope to guide me as to the correct orientation as I am inserting the new lens. This augmented reality display shows the exact orientation in single degree steps of where the lens should be placed with respect to pre-scanned anatomical landmarks of your eye. It's quite amazing. It's like having a really precise compass to guide you in the right direction.

* Information on this blog is general in nature and should not be taken as professional medical advice or as a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional.