Limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) treat low to moderate degrees of astigmatism. The outer layer of the eye can be divided into three areas: the cornea, the sclera and the limbus. The cornea is the clear part, or the window, that covers the iris and the pupil. The sclera is the white part of the eye. The limbus is the thin area that connects the cornea and the sclera.

LRI’s are small relaxing incisions in the limbus, which allows the cornea to become more rounded when it heals. LRIs are placed at the very edge of the cornea (in the limbus) on the steepest meridians and are often combined with cataract surgery.

Currently, Dr. Slade uses several types of IntraOcular Lenses (IOLs) can provide a full range of vision – near, intermediate, and distance. However, if the patient has pre-existing astigmatism, he may perform an LRI to further help in reducing or eliminating glasses or contact lenses after lens implantation.

Another method of reducing or eliminating astigmatism after cataract surgery would include having a Toric IOL that corrects astigmatism but only provides clear distance vision. PRK and LASIK can also be used instead of LRIs. Drs. Slade and Baker will make a recommendation as to the best method of correcting your pre-existing astigmatism.