Limbal Relaxing Incisions
Limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) treat low to moderate degrees of astigmatism. Astigmatism may be thought of as being shaped like a football rather than being shaped like a basketball. As the name suggests, the surgeon makes small relaxing incisions in the limbus, which allows the cornea to become more rounded when it heals.
LRIs are placed on the far peripheral aspect of the cornea (the limbus), resulting in a more rounded cornea. Astigmatism is reduced, and uncorrected vision is improved. LRIs can correct astigmatism up to 8 diopters (D); however, the use of LRIs is routinely reserved for 0.5-4 D of astigmatism. These incisions are usually made at the time of cataract, clear lens exchange, or ICL surgery to reduce or eliminate the astigmatism and thus increase the chances for better vision without eyeglasses. LRIs can also be performed as an independent procedure in our in-office surgery suite.
