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 04 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