The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is a groundbreaking advance in cataract surgery. At Vista Eye Specialists, we constantly innovate by using the latest state-of-the-art technology and following the most advanced clinical research.
Our approach to cataract surgery emphasizes customization through intraocular lenses (IOLs.) The LAL is the most advanced (and only) IOL of its type because it can be fine-tuned after surgery, allowing for a truly personalized vision experience.
Up to half of cataract surgery patients need glasses after surgery. The LAL is changing that. Research shows that patients choosing the LAL are almost twice as likely to achieve 20/20 vision or better without glasses than those with standard IOLs.
Instead of relying on pre-surgery vision estimates, this advanced technology lets us adjust your vision based on real-world clarity, ensuring the best possible outcome.
How the Light Adjustable Lens Works
Your eye surgeon implants the LAL during cataract surgery, just as with a standard IOL — but the similarities end there. Made of a unique photosensitive material, the LAL allows adjustments after surgery.
After your eyes heal, we use ultraviolet (UV) light to modify the lens shape, fine-tuning your vision with your input. With this technology, we can precisely tailor your eyesight to your needs, providing results that standard IOLs can’t achieve.
Benefits of a Personalized Vision Experience
Choosing the Light Adjustable Lens means you get a highly personalized solution for your visual needs. After a series of light treatments, you can achieve sharper, clearer vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
Many patients leave glasses behind entirely or rely on glasses dramatically less than those with traditional monofocal or multifocal IOLs.
What to Expect: The Light Treatment Process
After your cataract surgery, your eye needs about three to four weeks to heal before adjustments begin. During this period, you’ll wear UV-protective glasses to prevent unintentional changes to the IOL lens.
Once healing is complete, we start the light treatments, which are quick and painless. Most patients need between one to three adjustment sessions. They last only about 90 seconds.
After each session, you try out the adjustment for a few days to see how it works for you. Then, you return to Vista Eye Specialists for another adjustment based on your feedback.
Once your lenses provide optimal vision, you’ll have two “lock-in” treatments that finalize your lens settings to ensure long-term clarity and stability.
Is the Light Adjustable Len Right For You?
The LAL is an excellent option for many cataract surgery patients, particularly those who:
- Want customized vision after surgery rather than a fixed prescription
- Wish to eliminate or greatly reduce glasses wear
- Who have had LASIK or PRK
- Who have had previous corneal eye surgery
- Can commit to wearing UV-protective glasses and attending follow-up light treatments.
The LAL may not be right for patients with certain eye conditions or those unable to complete the adjustment process. Our team provides comprehensive consultations to determine if the LAL is right for you.
The Light Adjustable Lens Versus Other IOLs
Unlike monofocal, multifocal, and toric IOLs, which provide fixed prescriptions after surgery, the Light Adjustable Lens allows post-surgical fine-tuning.
This flexibility means that instead of hoping for the best result, you can actively shape your vision until it meets your needs. No other IOL offers this level of customization.
Light Adjustable Lens FAQs
What material is the LAL made of?
The LAL is made of a special photosensitive silicone material. This unique material changes shape in response to ultraviolet light, allowing Dr. Jani to make precise, noninvasive adjustments after the eye has healed from surgery.
How does light treatment fine-tune vision after cataract surgery?
After the LAL is placed during cataract surgery, you’ll have a healing period in which you must wear dark glasses to avoid unintentional changes to your new lens. Following that healing period, Dr. Jani uses a light delivery device (LDD) to adjust the lens.
The light causes the molecules in the lens to bond in specific patterns, changing its curvature. In turn, this adjusts your eyesight. These light treatments are painless and easy. Once you’re satisfied with your vision, a final light treatment locks in the changes.
How is the Light Adjustable Lens different from other IOLs?
The LAL is the only lens that allows postoperative adjustments. Standard IOLs have a fixed power once implanted. Successful cataract surgery with standard IOLs requires excellent powers of prediction.
Renowned cataract surgeons like Dr. Jani are experts in predicting what your post-surgery vision will be like, but with cataract surgery, there may still be factors impossible to predict. That’s where the LAL comes in. If it turns out that your vision isn’t quite optimal after surgery, the LAL allows you to improve it.
With the LAL, you can experience how your vision feels and then adjust it based on your lifestyle. This makes it especially appealing to people who want the most personalized vision correction.
Who is a good candidate for a Light Adjustable Lens?
You may be a good fit if you:
- Are having cataract surgery
- Want precise distance or reading vision
- Have previously worn monovision or multifocal lenses
- Prefer to test your vision before finalizing it
- Are willing to wear UV-blocking glasses as directed
Dr. Jani will evaluate your eye health and lifestyle needs before recommending this lens.
How many sessions will I need to adjust my lens after surgery?
Most people need one, two, or three light treatments. Dr. Jani assesses your results after each adjustment. Your input is crucial here, as Dr. Jani uses your feedback to make additional adjustments and get you closer to your optimal result. Once satisfied, the final light treatment locks in your customized prescription.
Do I have to wear sunglasses all the time after getting a LAL?
Yes, you’ll need to wear special UV-blocking glasses both indoors and outdoors from the time of surgery until the final lock-in treatment. This protects the lens from unintentional light exposure. Our team provides specific instructions to follow. The initial healing period takes a few weeks. Then, your light treatment treatments in our office are usually around three days apart. You must continue wearing your UV-blocking glasses until your final lock-in session, after which Dr. Jani gives you the go-ahead to stop wearing them. After that, you should continue wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes when outdoors (this is true for everyone!)
Schedule a Consultation for Customized Cataract Surgery
If you’re considering cataract surgery and want the most precise vision, book a consultation at Vista Eye Specialists in Fredericksburg or Culpeper, VA. Call 540-208-5827 today to find out if the Light Adjustable Lens is the right choice for you.
