A toric lens is a special type of intraocular lens (IOL) designed to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery. In cataract surgery, the health basket entitlement is to a regular (monofocal) intraocular lens. A toric lens is not part of the basket entitlement, and those who choose it usually pay extra.
On this page we explain what a toric lens is, who it may suit, which tests are done before surgery, what is covered by the health basket and by supplementary insurance, and what is worth checking in advance.
What is a toric lens?
Astigmatism (cylinder) is a condition in which the cornea does not have a uniform curvature, so light rays do not focus evenly on the retina and vision is blurred. In cataract surgery the cloudy natural lens is removed and an artificial lens is implanted in its place. A regular (monofocal) lens treats the cataract itself, but does not correct astigmatism.
A toric lens provides different optical power along different axes of the lens, and so allows more precise focusing of light on the retina. The aim is to improve the sharpness of distance vision, so it may reduce the need for distance glasses after surgery. A toric lens does not correct near vision, so reading glasses may still be needed.
Who may a toric lens suit?
A toric lens is intended for patients with cataract and permanent astigmatism caused by differences in the curvature of the cornea. It is not necessarily the right choice for everyone having cataract surgery. Patients with very low astigmatism may not gain enough from the lens, whereas in patients with high astigmatism the benefit may be greater.
Those who also want to do without reading glasses may consider other options, such as a multifocal lens or monovision. There is also a multifocal lens with a toric component. The decision whether a toric lens suits a particular eye is made with the ophthalmologist, after preliminary tests.
Tests before surgery
Fitting a toric lens requires a thorough assessment of the condition of the cornea, of the type and severity of the astigmatism, and also of the patient's personal needs. Before surgery, precise measurements of the cornea and of the vision data are taken, such as corneal mapping (topography) and fitting tests. Based on the measurements, the lens is matched to the eye's data, and the astigmatism axis along which the lens will be positioned in the eye is determined.
What does the health basket include?
The health basket covers cataract surgery with a regular (monofocal) lens only. A toric lens is not included in the basket, and choosing it usually involves an additional payment by the patient. In the public system, the basic cost of the surgery is covered by the basket, and the patient pays the extra for the toric lens, usually directly to the hospital.
The health funds, including their supplementary insurance plans, as a rule do not reimburse privately funded surgery.
Supplementary insurance and the toric lens
The health funds' supplementary insurance plans cover cataract surgery only when it is performed by a surgeon and at a facility that have an arrangement with the health fund, with a co-payment and according to the terms of the plan. The coverage usually refers to surgery with a regular lens. For a toric lens or another advanced lens there is usually an additional payment.
For example, in Clalit Mushlam, surgery with a regular lens at a private hospital, with a surgeon who has an agreement with Clalit Mushlam, involves no co-payment. Laser-assisted surgery or surgery with an advanced lens involves a co-payment, which is lower in Mushlam Platinum than in Mushlam Gold. Coverage terms vary between health funds and between plans, so it is advisable to check the current terms with your health fund before surgery.
How much does a toric lens cost?
Private cataract surgery with a standard lens usually costs 10,000–13,000 ₪ per eye, all-inclusive. A toric lens usually adds about 2,500–5,000 ₪ per eye to this price.
Prices are a general estimate only; an exact quote is given after an examination. Get a personal price quote
The price varies with the type of lens, the surgeon and the facility where the surgery is performed, so it is advisable to get a detailed quote in advance. More details on the cost are on the page How much does a toric lens cost in cataract surgery?
How is surgery with a toric lens performed?
Cataract surgery with a toric lens is performed in a similar way to regular cataract surgery: the cloudy lens is removed using ultrasound (phacoemulsification), and the toric lens is implanted in its place. The difference is that the lens must be aligned at a precise angle, so that its axis matches the axis of the astigmatism in the cornea. For this, markings made in advance or axis-detection technology are used.
If the lens is not aligned correctly, it may not correct the astigmatism optimally. If the lens shifts slightly in the first weeks, its position can sometimes be corrected in a follow-up procedure. As with any cataract surgery, there are also general risks, which should be discussed with the doctor. More information about the surgery is on the page Toric lens in cataract surgery.
What to check before surgery
- According to the tests, is a toric lens suitable for my eye?
- Will the surgery be performed under the health basket, through supplementary insurance with a surgeon who has an arrangement, or privately?
- How much is the co-payment or the extra charge for the toric lens under my plan?
- What is included in the price: fitting tests, follow-up visits and additional services?
- Will I need reading glasses after surgery?
Have a question about cataract surgery? We are happy to help.