Toric Lenses in San Francisco | Pacific Vision Institute

Precision Astigmatism Correction at Pacific Vision Institute

Our surgeons dedicated their career to advancing vision correction for even the most complex optical prescriptions. As a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 15 consecutive years and surgeons whose outcomes rank in the top 1% nationally, our surgeons bring unmatched precision to toric lens implantation at Pacific Vision Institute. Their proprietary nomogram, developed in collaboration with UCLA's Department of Statistics and advanced AI driven algorithms, support the individualized surgical planning that toric lens success demands.

What Are Toric Lenses?

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular curvature, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina and producing blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Standard monofocal IOLs do not address astigmatism; toric IOLs do.

Toric lenses are intraocular lenses engineered with different optical powers across various meridians of the lens, directly counteracting the eye's uneven curvature. When precisely aligned during implantation, a toric IOL neutralizes pre-existing astigmatism and restores significantly clearer vision.

Benefits of Toric Lenses

Corrects astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery
Reduces or eliminates dependence on glasses for distance vision
Long-lasting correction, no need for future lens replacements
Compatible with laser cataract surgery for enhanced implantation accuracy
Available in a range of powers to address mild to high degrees of astigmatism
Clearer, sharper vision compared to standard IOLs in patients with astigmatism

Are You a Candidate for Toric Lenses in San Francisco?

Toric lenses may be the right choice if you:

Have been diagnosed with astigmatism of 0.75 diopters or greater
Are undergoing cataract surgery and want to address astigmatism simultaneously
Currently rely on toric contact lenses or glasses for clear distance vision
Have a stable corneal shape with no progressive conditions such as keratoconus
Want to reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear after surgery
Are seeking a long-term, permanent solution for astigmatism correction

Dr. Faktorovich working on a patient's eyes

Why Choose Pacific Vision Institute for Toric Lens Implants in San Francisco?

Accurate toric lens placement requires exceptional surgical precision; even slight rotational misalignment can significantly reduce the lens's effectiveness. Our surgeons’ expertise in advanced corneal diagnostics, including topography-guided imaging and ORA intraoperative measurement, ensures that each toric lens is aligned with the accuracy her patients deserve.

Pacific Vision Institute is one of only a few U.S. practices recognized among the Leading Medical Clinics of the World, and our surgeons are the only cataract and refractive surgeons in San Francisco consistently featured in San Francisco Magazine's annual Best Doctors issue.

What to Expect

Consultation and Preoperative Examination

Full ocular health evaluation and candidacy assessment
Extensive measurements of your eye’s optics and focusing system
Advanced 4-scan topography, ocular biometry, tomography, anterior and posterior segment OCT
Discussion of lens options tailored to your vision goals
Thorough discussion of financial options

Procedure Steps

Performed as part of cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange
Natural lens is removed using advanced ultrasound techniques
Extended range IOL is precisely implanted in the lens capsule
Procedure typically completed in under 30 minutes per eye

Recovery & Results Timeline

Many patients notice meaningfully improved vision within 24–48 hours
Full visual stabilization typically occurs within 4–6 weeks
Follow-up appointments at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month post-procedure
Patients should avoid rubbing the eye or strenuous activity during initial healing

Schedule Your Toric Lens Consultation in San Francisco

If astigmatism has kept you dependent on glasses or contacts, toric lenses may offer the lasting clarity you've been looking for. Contact Pacific Vision Institute today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Faktorovich.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toric Lenses

What happens if a toric lens rotates out of alignment after surgery?

A small percentage of toric IOLs shift rotationally during early healing, which can reduce the quality of astigmatism correction. If this occurs, our surgeons can perform a minor repositioning procedure to realign the lens and restore optimal vision.

Can toric lenses also correct nearsightedness or farsightedness?

Yes, toric IOLs are available in a range of base powers that correct nearsightedness or farsightedness in addition to astigmatism. The appropriate prescription is determined through precise pre-operative measurements taken by our team.

Is a toric lens the only way to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery?

Toric IOLs are the most effective method for correcting moderate to high astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery, but limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) are an alternative for lower degrees of astigmatism. Our surgeons will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your individual measurements and prescription.

Can I have a toric lens if I've had LASIK previously?

Patients with prior LASIK or PRK can still receive toric IOLs, though pre-surgical measurements require additional calculations to account for the previously altered corneal shape. Our surgeons’ combined expertise in refractive surgery and lens implantation makes her especially qualified to manage this patient population.

How is the correct toric lens power determined before surgery?

Pre-operative corneal topography and biometry measurements are used to precisely map the degree and axis of astigmatism, which then guides lens selection and alignment planning. At Pacific Vision Institute, advanced diagnostic imaging ensures that these calculations are as accurate as possible before any surgical decisions are made.

Do toric lenses look or feel different inside the eye compared to standard IOLs?

Toric lenses feel no different from standard monofocal IOLs once implanted; patients do not experience any sensation from the lens itself. The difference lies entirely in the optical design, which is invisible to the patient but highly meaningful for visual clarity.

Will my astigmatism correction with a toric lens remain stable long-term?

Toric IOLs are designed to provide stable, long-term astigmatism correction as a permanent implant. Significant rotation or change in effectiveness after full healing is uncommon, and the vast majority of patients maintain their corrected vision for life.

Can toric lenses be combined with multifocal optics?

Yes, multifocal toric IOLs are available and can address astigmatism while also providing multiple focal points for near, intermediate, and distance vision. Our surgeons will evaluate whether you are a strong candidate for this combination lens during your pre-operative consultation.

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Send us a message to schedule an in person consultation at our office in San Francisco.

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