Visual function and patient experience after bilateral implantation of toric intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy, stability, predictability, and patient-reported outcomes of bilateral toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cases of cataract with preexisting astigmatism. SETTING Fourteen universities, hospitals, or private practices, Canada. METHODS Patients with cataracts and corneal astigmatism from 1.00 to 2.50 diopters (D) were included in a prospective study of bilateral AcrySof toric IOL implantation. Binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), manifest refraction, and IOL rotational stability were assessed 1 day and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Patients completed a questionnaire that assessed spectacle independence, visual disturbances, and satisfaction with vision (1 = completely unsatisfied; 10 = completely satisfied) preoperatively and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS The study included 117 patients (234 eyes). The binocular UDVA was 20/40 or better in 99% of patients and 20/20 or better in 63% of patients. The mean residual refractive astigmatism was 0.4 D +/- 0.4 (SD). The spherical equivalent was within +/-0.5 D of target in 77% of eyes. At last observation, IOL alignment was within +/-5 degrees in 91% of eyes and within +/-10 degrees in 99%. Sixty-nine percent of patients reported never using distance spectacles. The frequency and severity of halos and glare were significantly reduced from preoperatively to postoperatively. Satisfaction with vision was rated 7 or higher by 94% of patients. CONCLUSION Bilateral implantation of toric IOLs yielded excellent and stable visual outcomes that patients rated as highly satisfactory. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Additional disclosures are found in the footnotes.