Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI)
Limbal relaxing incisions are a type of surgery used in treating astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. Limbal relaxing incisions are a form of astigmatic keratotomy (AK). The incisions in LRls are made on the peripheral parts of the cornea (limbus). LRls are made in order to create a more rounded distortion free cornea. These types of incisions are created to improve vision without glasses. Dr. Foreman uses Corneal Topography to determine the exact axis and degree of astigmatism to treat. He also measures the peripheral cornea to determine the exact depth of the incision. Limbal relaxing incisions help with astigmatism and also have been shown to have fewer side effects, such as glare or discomfort, than other incisive astigmatic surgeries. The wounds from limbal relaxing incisions also tend to heal faster than other surgeries.
Toric Lens Implants
Toric IOLs are specially designed for patients with large amounts of astigmatism that are not suitable for LRI. Traditionally, surgical correction of astigmatism requires making a series of small incisions (called LRis) around the cornea to make it more spherical instead of football shaped. Implanting a toric IOL often improves vision due to astigmatism without the need for these extra incisions and also allows patient to enjoy a faster more comfortable recovery.