I wonder if I should add astigmatism correction in my coming cataracts operation or not correct it
(not had the consultation yet).
Astigmatism is around -2.00 both eyes, which I think is considered low
it has been worsening gradually in the last 6 years
I read that A depends on the cornea, not the lens, so I assume that an lens replacement will not stop my astigmatism from changing, because the cornea is the same
would it be better to keep the astigmatism I have and correct it with glasses?
any experiences on this or any advice?
As you know the astigmatism that has to be corrected with eyeglasses is the total of the astigmatism in your natural lens plus the astigmatism in your cornea. They may be additive or subtractive. In other words when the lens is removed in the cataract surgery the residual astigmatism could become better or worse. You can’t really make a decision about getting a toric lens or not until the topography of your cornea is measured by the cataract surgeon. Then you will know if a toric lens is worth it or not. In general most will recommend a toric if the residual to be corrected is more than 0.75 to 1.0 D. The reason they do not try to correct for less is that the minimum cylinder power in the IOL is 1.5 D. So if you have 0.75 D astigmatism and put a 1.5 D Cyl IOL in for correction you are likely to have just as much astigmatism after the correction with the angle reversed. This is a discussion to have with your surgeon at the pre op appointment after the measurements have been taken.
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As far as the vision stability I have noticed that my vision has changed a lot, and especially the astigmatism in the last 2-3 years as my cataract has developed. At times I had astigmatism approaching 3.0 D. But when my eye measurements were taken the surgeon said I had from 0.0 to 0.4 in the cornea and a toric lens would be unsuitable for me. My conclusion from this was that the astigmatism was coming from the cataract in the lens. My surgeon confirmed that in most cases vision is stable after the lens is replaced.
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Another thing to consider is that the surgery itself can cause some astigmatism. That was what happened in my case. I went in with 0.0 to 0.4 and my final result was -0.75 D Cylinder.
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The other issue to consider is that if you get a monofocal lens a small amount of - D astigmatism can be helpful with closer vision. With my IOL eye and I believe the help of the astigmatism, I can read a computer screen at about 18". And, I still have a bit better than 20/20 vision for distance.
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Hope that helps some