Laser Enhancement Surgery is the latest tool for treating high astigmatism greater than -3.0 diopter. The procedure is commonly used in combination with Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRIs) and/or Toric Lens Implants to help patients achieve optimal vision following cataract surgery.

Laser enhancement surgery has some distinct advantages in the treatment of corneal astigmatism for the cataract patient:

• Laser enhancement surgery offers superior precision.
• Laser enhancement surgery can correct high astigmatism, which might not be fully corrected using only LRIs or toric lens implants.
• Laser enhancement surgery offers an alternative to toric lens implants for those patients who desire multifocal intraocular lenses.

The biggest disadvantage of laser enhancement surgery is that is must be completed post-operatively, generally six weeks after cataract surgery. There is also additional cost involved, however, for patients seeking the best possible vision following cataract surgery, the benefits often outweigh the costs.