Emilio Justo, M.D.
Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI)

Limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) are a modification in the shape of your cornea used to treat astigmatism. Astigmatism is present when the cornea is not perfectly round, resulting in ghost/double images or blurring if not corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. In simplistic terms, a cornea with astigmatism is shaped more like a football rather than a basketball. LRI’s are incisions that are placed on the far outer edge of the cornea (the limbus) resulting in a cornea that is more round resulting in your uncorrected vision (vision without eyeglasses) being improved.

The procedure can be completed in a few minutes after numbing the eye with anesthetic drops. There is usually minimal or no post-operative discomfort, typically some mild temporary scratchiness. The procedure is very safe and is not associated with glare or starburst. The cornea is usually stable within a week, which means your vision should be stable.

Limbal relaxing incisions have gained widespread acceptance amongst cataract surgeons where it is often combined with the cataract operation to reduce pre-existing astigmatism. The incisions can be done as part of the cataract surgery or at any time after. This results in better post-operative vision without glasses. The procedure can also be used in individuals whose primary refractive error is astigmatism.

Limbal relaxing incisions are NOT considered medically necessary by either Medicare or any other health insurances as it is an elective procedure done to reduce the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Please ask Dr. Emilio M. Justo to evaluate your specific astigmatism to see if you are a candidate for LRI’s or, if you are having cataract surgery, to understand the pro’s and con’s of LRI’s versus an AcrySof Toric Premium intraocular lens implant (IOL) to correct your pre-existing astigmatism.

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