During traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon implants a monofocal artificial lens, commonly called an intraocular lens (IOL). However, if you have astigmatism, you may still experience blurred vison, because a standard IOL cannot correct this condition. In January 2007, Medicare approved a new monofocal lens called the AcrySof Toric IOL for patients with cataracts and astigmatism. This lens is highly effective in correcting both conditions and delivering renewed vision.
AcrySof Toric IOLs deliver a wide range of benefits when compared to traditional implantable intraocular lens solutions. Some of the most important advantages include:
In addition, these premium IOLs are very rarely associated with glare or halos around lights, so many of our patients are able to resume night driving after their procedure.
The AcrySof toric IOL is a foldable, single piece lens that is implanted during cataract surgery to replace the clouded natural lens. Its unique design makes it possible to reduce or eliminate astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected distance vision. AcrySof toric lenses provide quality distance vision, independent of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Since the AcrySof toric IOL is a monofocal lens, reading glasses will still be necessary. However, for most patients, distance vision is greatly improved with these devices.
At the Benjamin Eye Institute in Los Angeles, we will thoroughly plan for your surgery to ensure an optimal outcome. Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet will take countless detailed measurements of your eye to select the precise lens and orientation that is right for you.
Once the lens has been selected and you've been counseled on the procedure's risks and benefits, surgery will be scheduled. The morning of your procedure, you will need to avoid eating for several hours to ensure a safe experience. Once you arrive, Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet will numb your eye with special drops or an injection in the area. They may also provide you with a sedative to ensure that you're relaxed throughout the procedure.
To begin the actual surgery, they will make a number of ultra-precise incisions along the edges of the cornea, allowing the surgeons to access the cloudy lens. From there, they will carefully break up and remove the cataract before implanting your premium IOLs. The incisions will seal on their own with time, so most patients do not require sutures.
Immediately after surgery, you will be advised to spend at least 30 minutes in our Los Angeles recovery room so that our team can closely monitor your progress and ensure your safety. As long as there are no complications, you will be cleared to finish the healing process in the comfort of your own home.
You may put your vision in the best hands by asking the proper questions of a potential LASIK physician using this No-Regrets Guide. We've included our own responses to these inquiries to prevent you from having to conduct an interview. But if you need more explanation or have other worries, let us know! We are at your service.
If you first experience a disaster like dry eye, the fundamental rule and recommendation would be to speak with a skilled ophthalmologist before putting anything in your eyes. Since choosing a treatment requires more pathophysiological understanding than simply purchasing the first eye drops you see.
Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal tissue growing onto the cornea, often followed by a conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane graft to support healing and reduce recurrence. This recovery guide explains what to expect after surgery, how to use prescribed ointments and drops, why UV protection is essential, how dry eye management supports healing, and when to contact our office during recovery.
Prokera® Slim is an FDA-cleared biological medical device that uses amniotic membrane to support healing of the ocular surface. This treatment may help reduce inflammation, suppress scarring, and restore damaged eye tissue in conditions such as keratitis, chemical burns, corneal scars, epithelial defects, and severe dry eye. Prokera is placed in the office, worn continuously for several days, and removed by Dr. Benjamin at a follow-up visit.
Valeda Light Delivery System is an advanced treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration, designed to support retinal cells and help preserve visual function. The procedure uses photobiomodulation — low-level light therapy with specific wavelengths — and is performed quickly, without pain, eye drops, injections, or recovery time.
If your vision becomes blurry, hazy, or foggy months or years after cataract surgery, it may be caused by posterior capsule opacification — often called a “secondary cataract.” This is a common and treatable condition, not a return of the original cataract. At Benjamin Eye Institute, Dr. Arthur Benjamin performs YAG laser capsulotomy in the office to quickly and painlessly clear the cloudy capsule behind the lens implant, with no incisions or stitches and clearer vision often restored the same day.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. This recovery guide explains what to expect after eyelid surgery, including swelling, bruising, cold compresses, suture removal, activity restrictions, and important instructions to support safe healing and the best possible aesthetic result.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an in-office laser treatment designed to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This guide explains how SLT works, what to expect during the procedure, how Dr. Benjamin’s 180° treatment strategy is used, and why SLT may reduce or delay the need for daily glaucoma eye drops.
