Light Adjustable Lens
Customized Vision After Cataract Surgery
What is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?
The Light Adjustable Lens™ stands as the only adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) available, providing the opportunity for vision optimization following lens implantation and recovery. If you and your doctor decide that the Light Adjustable lens or LAL is right for you, you will undergo standard cataract surgery, followed by additional light treatments to achieve your desired vision results.
What makes the Light Adjustable Lens exceptional is that after your eye has fully healed, you have the opportunity to completely customize your vision after cataract surgery. At this stage, you will have the chance to compare and preview various vision outcomes based on your unique preferences and lifestyle needs. Following this, your doctor will use a specialized light treatment to reshape your implanted lens with pinpoint accuracy, tailored to your individual prescription requirements. Our doctor will perform several light treatments (typically 3 to 5) to attain your vision objectives.
How does the Light Adjustable Lens Work?
The Light Adjustable Lens is made of a special photosensitive material that changes the shape and power of your implanted lens in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. Light treatments are delivered in your doctor’s office with the Light Delivery Device (LDD).
What to Expect from Light Adjustable Lens Surgery
During your cataract surgery, a Light Adjustable Lens™ will be implanted in your eye. After surgery, it is adjusted to deliver the customized vision you desire. This means that there are 2 major differences following your surgery as compared to a non-adjustable intraocular lens (IOL):
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- Required wear of ultraviolet (UV) protective glasses
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- Completion of light treatments
Why do I need to wear protective glasses?
Exposure to indoor and outdoor sources of UV light can cause uncontrolled changes to the Light Adjustable Lens. To prevent this, you will be provided with UV protective glasses to wear immediately following surgery during all waking hours (from time of lens implantation until after the last light treatment is completed).
Your protective glasses may be removed when sleeping, and may be temporarily removed when showering, washing your face, or applying eye drops as long as you are not exposed to direct sunlight. Twenty-four hours after your final light treatment, no further changes can be made to the implanted Light Adjustable Lens, and you can remove the UV protective glasses and enjoy your custom vision!
How are the light treatments performed?
In order to receive the light treatment, you will be placed in front of the office-based Light Delivery Device (LDD). The LDD non-invasively delivers the UV light to your Light Adjustable Lens to adjust your vision to the desired target. The system gives your doctor the flexibility to make adjustments and refinements to meet your specific criteria. Following the light treatment, you will be rechecked in approximately 3 days to assess your vision.
Light treatments are delivered in our clinic with the Light Delivery Device.
Between 3 and 5 total light treatments, each lasting approximately 90 seconds and separated by a minimum of 3 days, are required. The total number of light treatments is based on achievement of the desired vision outcome that you and your doctor selected. When you experience the results of your adjustments, you will better understand the value of adjusting and customizing your vision after your surgery.
Once you have achieved your optimal vision, the lens power is permanently locked in with a final light treatment to prevent any further changes.
LIGHT TREATMENT SCHEDULE
Initial Light Treatment
Approximately 2-3 weeks after surgery
Secondary Light Treatment
Approximately 1 week after initial light treatment
Additional Light Treatments (as required)
Approximately 1 week after each prior light treatment