Acrysof IQ Toric IOL-Aspheric Excellence

Intraocular lens (IOL) technology is constantly evolving and striving for better performance and outcomes for both surgeons and most importantly the patients they serve.  One of the advancement in IOLs has been the introduction of the Toric lens.  The Toric IOL is designed to correct astigmatism and was first brought into the US market by Starr Surgical in 1998.  Alcon, Inc followed up in 2005 and received FDA approval for their version, the Acrysof Toric IOL, which quickly became the leading Toric IOL in the market.  In March of 2009, Alcon launched the recently FDA approved Acrysof Toric IQ IOL at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting in San Francisco, California.  This Toric IOL is unique. It offers a special aspheric optic which is a new innovation in the world of Toric IOLs.

The Acrysof IQ Toric IOL offers a precise astigmatism correction. The aspheric design component of the lens improves both image quality and contrast sensitivity.  This combination creates patients the best opportunity for distance vision without the assistance of glasses.  It was shown in studies that the Acrysof IQ Toric IOL improved functional vision significantly.  Alcon tested their IOL versus a control lens in low visibility environments (such as night driving).  They showed that the Acrysof IQ Toric IOL performed better in 34 of the 36 conditions that were tested.  Significant advantages were found in the ability of the patients to identify pedestrians and warning signs under conditions conducive to both fog and glare.

Alcon has gone to great lengths to create a high quality IOL for the patient but has also allowed for ease of use for the surgeons implanting them.  The web based Acrysof Toric IOL Calculator (www.acrysoftoriccalculator.com) developed by Alcon allows surgeons to enter specific data such as keratometry and biometry results, incision location, and estimated surgically induced astigmatism.  From this information, the calculating tool will determine the Acrysof Toric IQ IOL model (SN6AT3, SN6AT4, SN6AT5) needed, as well as, lens power and axis alignment of the IOL.

When using the Acrysof Toric IQ IOL, surgeons also have the comfort of knowing that they will be able to use their regular techniques associated with both cataract removal and lens implantation.  After evaluating the criteria for patient selection (such as intact capsular bag, presence of pre-existing ocular disease, and those that have underwent Lasik or other refractive procedures), the aforementioned IOL calculator is used.  The print out from the Acrysof Toric IOL Calculator should be brought into the OR and with the patient in the upright position two reference marks are placed at two locations 180 degrees apart.  Once the procedure has begun and phacoemulsification completed, the IOL is inserted in the normal fashion with the exception that the surgeon will only want to clockwise rotate the IOL within 20-30 degrees of the desired final positioning.  Once the viscoelastic removal is complete, the IOL rotation needs to be advanced so that the marking on the posterior surface of the optic is lined up precisely with the axis placement markings done on the patient prior to the procedure.  Failure to complete the rotation will not allow for optimal correction.

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The Alcon Acrysof Toric IQ IOL aspheric characteristics brings new dimension to the Toric IOL marketplace.  The innovation of this lens creates high quality outcomes for the surgeons and patients alike.  Its ease of use and the Acrysof Toric IOL Calculator that was created by Alcon makes the IOL a very desirable and easy choice for many surgeons implanting Toric IOLs.

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