Improve Your Vision with Limbal Relaxing Incisions
Limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) modify the shape of the eye's cornea. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is not perfectly round, resulting in double images or blurring when not corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. In simplistic terms, a cornea with astigmatism is shaped more like a football rather than a basketball. Limbal relaxing incisions, placed on the far outer edge of the cornea (the limbus), result in a rounder shape that provides clearer, sharper vision, reducing patients' reliance on glasses or contacts.
Learn more about astigmatism correction by contacting any of our Phoenix-area practices, conveniently located in Sun City, Sun City West, and Wickenburg.
The Procedure
Astigmatism correction through limbal relaxing incisions is accomplished with a quick and relatively painless procedure performed at one of our Arizona practices. The LRI procedure can be completed in a few minutes after the eye has been numbed with anesthetic drops. There is usually minimal or no post-operative discomfort, although patients sometimes experience some mild temporary scratchiness. The procedure is very safe and is not associated with glare or starburst. The cornea, and your vision is usually stable within one week.
LRI Candidates
Limbal relaxing incisions provide clearer, sharper vision for patients whose primary refractive error is astigmatism. While corrective lenses are able to correct the blurriness resulting from astigmatism, patients often choose the LRI procedure in order to free themselves from reliance on glasses or contacts.
Limbal relaxing incisions have gained widespread acceptance amongst cataract surgeons, who perform astigmatism correction in combination with the cataract operation. The incisions can be made during the cataract surgery, or any time after, resulting in better post-operative vision without glasses.
Please ask Dr. Emilio M. Justo to evaluate your specific astigmatism to see if you are a candidate for the LRI procedure. If you are having cataract surgery, your astigmatism treatment options include the LRI procedure or the implantation of an AcrySof Toric Premium intraocular lens (IOL). When you discuss astigmatism correction at one of our Phoenix-area practices, Dr. Justo will determine which procedure will best treat your specific case.
Cost of Limbal Relaxing Incisions
Limbal relaxing incisions are NOT considered medically necessary by Medicare or any other health insurance as it is an elective procedure done to reduce the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. During your consultation with Dr. Justo, you will be provided with detailed financial information about your procedure. At the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center, we offer financing plans, including CareCredit®, for the convenience of our patients.
Learn More about Astigmatism Correction
If you have been diagnosed with astigmatism and want clearer vision without the need for glasses or contacts, limbal relaxing incisions may be the ideal treatment for you. Learn more about astigmatism correction by contacting one of our Phoenix-area practices today, conveniently located in Sun City, Sun City West, and Wickenburg.
