For many patients, cataract surgery presents an opportunity to not only restore vision but also correct other underlying vision issues. Astigmatism is a common condition that causes blurred vision due to an uneven curvature of the cornea. At Progressive Ophthalmology, we offer Limbal Relaxing Incision (LRI) to help reduce astigmatism and maximize the sharpness of your vision - all in a single procedure.

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, is shaped more like a football than a basketball. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Many patients undergoing cataract surgery also have astigmatism, and without addressing it during surgery, they may still require glasses or contact lenses afterward. Limbal relaxing incisions provide a safe and effective way to reduce or correct astigmatism at the same time as cataract surgery.

A Limbal Relaxing Incision is a precise, curved incision made in the limbus - the outer edge of the cornea where it meets the white part of the eye (sclera). The purpose of the incision is to gently alter the shape of the cornea, making it more symmetrical and reducing astigmatism.

By relaxing the cornea at specific points, the incisions allow it to reshape into a more regular curvature, which enhances the eye’s ability to focus light more accurately. These incisions are typically made with a fine surgical blade or a femtosecond laser, depending on the technique used by your surgeon.

Limbal relaxing incisions are performed during cataract surgery and only add a few minutes to the overall procedure. The process is generally painless, as anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye. The incisions themselves are small, do not require stitches, and typically result in minimal discomfort. Most patients heal quickly without complications and notice an improvement in their vision, often with reduced reliance on glasses for distance viewing.