Point of View

See What Doctors Are Saying About the New AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL

The AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL takes precise astigmatism correction to the next level, with the enhanced image quality of an aspheric lens. We asked industry leaders about the potential impact of an aspheric toric lens, and how IOL innovation will shape the future of cataract surgery.

     

What role do you believe IOL innovation plays in advancing the field of cataract surgery? Where do you see IOL technology heading in the future? +  

The recent innovations in IOL technology have been some of the most exciting advances in ophthalmology to date. We had previously accepted the loss of near vision and the need for spectacles after cataract surgery as necessary byproducts of pseudophakia. Now that we have the ability to offer patients improved postoperative vision by greatly diminishing their spherical correction, astigmatism, aberration, and presbyopia, the level of satisfaction after surgery is at an all-time high.

The new AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL is a perfect example of how technology continues to improve: start with a great base lens like the one-piece acrylic AcrySof® IOL, add to that a blue light filter, then the ability to correct astigmatism, and now the ability to reduce aberration by adding the aspheric platform.

Bonnie A Henderson, MD

Boston Eye Surgery & Laser Center
Boston, Massachusetts

Bonnie A Henderson, MD is a widely recognized expert in cataract surgery and specializes in complicated anterior segment surgery. Dr Henderson's research has involved cataract surgery outcomes and innovative methods of teaching.

Dr Henderson is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. She and her co-investigators have developed a novel computer program to teach cataract surgery to trainees. She is also the developer of an ophthalmic device to provide stability in complicated cataract cases.

Boston Eye Surgery & Laser Center

What qualities are most important to you in a toric lens? How does asphericity fit into those needs? +  

I think the most important quality of a toric IOL is that it can be consistently used with precision. Small toric power steps combined with sophisticated companion software make consistently predictable outcomes possible.

The AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL has become what I like to call a "technology plus" IOL. By this, I mean that it not only can be used to precisely correct the degraded image produced by an astigmatic cornea, but it can now further enhance image quality by duplicating many of the inherent qualities of the youthful crystalline lens with an aspheric design and the addition of negative spherical aberration. This newest generation of advanced technology IOLs now allows ophthalmic surgeons to simultaneously address multiple issues.

Warren E Hill, MD

East Valley Ophthalmology
Mesa, Arizona

Warren E Hill, MD has been the Medical Director of East Valley Ophthalmology for the past 22 years, specializing in consultative ophthalmology, challenging anterior segment surgery for other ophthalmologists, intraocular lens power calculations, and diagnostic ophthalmic ultrasonography.

A recognized expert in the field, Dr Hill serves as consultant to the industry in the field of intraocular lens mathematics and intraocular lens design, and was voted "One of the Top 50 Opinion Leaders in Cataract and Refractive Surgery" by the readership of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today in 2005 and 2006.

East Valley Ophthalmology

How do you think the addition of asphericity to the AcrySof® Toric IOL will affect patient outcomes? +  

I am certain toric lenses will become the new standard. Every innovation is welcome as we move toward this inevitable and triumphant moment in cataract surgery.

Robert H Osher, MD

Cincinnati Eye Institute
Cincinnati, Ohio

Robert H Osher, MD served as Medical Director of Cincinnati Eye Institute for 20 years. He is a Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Dr Osher has achieved worldwide recognition as a leader in cataract surgery. In addition to developing new techniques, he has designed many of the contemporary intraocular lenses and instruments used in cataract surgery. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from AAO and the Cornelius D Binkhorst Medal of Honor from ASCRS. In April, he will receive The Charles D Kelman Innovator’s Award in San Francisco.

Cincinnati Eye Institute

What are the surgical benefits of an aspheric toric lens like AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL? +  

Given what we understand about human spherical aberration, the use of aspheric IOLs is clearly a no-brainer. I am very pleased that we can offer the improved vision quality associated with aspheric optics to those patients who require toric IOLs for correction of astigmatism.

Samuel Masket, MD

Advanced Vision Care
Los Angeles, California

Samuel Masket, MD has practiced ophthalmic surgery since 1977. While maintaining a very active practice, Dr Masket is also heavily involved in clinical research, academics, and the teaching of eye surgery.

Dr Masket has published extensively on eye surgery and serves on the editorial boards of several journals and is the Consultation Section editor of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He recently published a textbook, The Atlas of Cataract Surgery, regarding the current state of cataract and related surgery.

Advanced Vision Care

What effect do you think an aspheric toric lens like the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL will have on your practice? +  

Currently, 15–20% of patients with cataracts have more than 1.5 D of preexisting astigmatism. Therefore, the ability to offer reduction of postoperative astigmatism with excellent rotational stability is crucial. And, with an aspheric lens, I believe my patients will experience even better outcomes with the AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL and, in turn, will have a tremendous effect on my practice.

Additionally, the thinner optic design of AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL is a welcome addition to the INTREPID® Micro-Coaxial System. Even higher dioptric powers of the AcrySof® IQ Toric lens will easily fit into the MONARCH® III D cartridge and through my 2.2 mm micro-coaxial incision.

Bonnie A Henderson, MD

Boston Eye Surgery & Laser Center
Boston, Massachusetts

Bonnie A Henderson, MD is a widely recognized expert in cataract surgery and specializes in complicated anterior segment surgery. Dr Henderson's research has involved cataract surgery outcomes and innovative methods of teaching.

Dr Henderson is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. She and her co-investigators have developed a novel computer program to teach cataract surgery to trainees. She is also the developer of an ophthalmic device to provide stability in complicated cataract cases.

Boston Eye Surgery & Laser Center