As lens-based refractive surgery becomes more popular, ophthalmologists are taking aim at corneal astigmatism to optimize surgical outcomes. Which patients are good candidates for astigmatic treatments, and which are not? What are the contraindications to certain procedures? What are the best surgical plans and procedures for astigmatic correction?

This series of articles addresses the aforementioned questions with an up-to-date review of toric IOLs and corneal relaxing incisions. The authors describe the art of surgical planning, the tools they use to "measure twice and cut once" in order to achieve optimal results, and the value these treatment modalities offer patients. Also included is a discussion on how software programs such as the AcrySof Toric IOL Calculator (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) and the LRI Calculator (Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA) have enhanced refractive surgical planning and helped to improve patients' records. Another new planning tool, the Surgically Induced Astigmatic Calculator provides a definitive starting point for minimizing the induction of corneal astigmatism during lenticular surgery.

Whether you have been treating astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery for years or you are just now focusing on this area, I am confident that you will find useful information in these articles from knowledgeable and respected colleagues.