The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the only FDA-approved lens which can be adjusted after cataract surgery. It is the first of its kind, allowing your surgeon to work with you in customizing your visual plan and outcome through the post-operative period.
What is the Light Adjustable Lens?
The shortcomings of Intraocular Lenses Today
Choosing the right type of IOL for you is an important part of your surgical plan. At Advanced Vision Care, we ensure that we go through an extensive, thorough process of testing, analysis, and evaluation of you as an individual to be able to choose the right type of IOL for you.
The lens and its power are determined by pre-surgery calculations which are probability and formula based. These are only estimates and the refractive outcome cannot be 100% predicted with every surgery. This is where the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) comes in.
What makes this lens different?
How does it work?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is made of a special material that is photo-sensitive and can change shape with the application of UV light from our in-office Light Delivery Device (LDD). The UV light adjusts the macromers in the lens which in turn changes the power of the lens. These treatments help us customize the lens to meet your visual needs after cataract surgery.
How are the light treatments performed?
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 treatments last approximately 90 seconds per eye. The system gives your doctor the flexibility to make adjustments and refinements to meet your specific criteria.
Between 2 and 4 total light treatments, are performed per eye, separated by at least 1 week between treatments. 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, one final light treatment is performed to “Lock-In” the lens.
What is the Procedure and Follow-Up Like?
The procedure for implanting the Light Adjustable Lens during your cataract surgery is the same as the procedure for the usual non-adjustable intraocular lens. First, your doctor will safely remove the cataract from your eyes, after that, the Light Adjustable Lens will carefully be implanted.
After your procedure is completed, you will be given specific UV protective glasses that you will have to wear. You can remove your glasses while sleeping, washing your face, showering, or applying your prescribed eye drops. These glasses will protect your LAL from making uncontrolled changes influenced by both indoor and outdoor exposure to UV light and will have to be used until the final Lock-In treatment is performed.
At Advanced Vision Care, we always take the post-recovery eye exam very seriously. We believe that it is an important part of the entire procedure, not less important than the surgery itself. Our goal is to provide you with the best vision possible after your cataract surgery, and the close follow-up and attention to detail allow us to do that. At each visit, the vision, refraction, and lens will be thoroughly checked along with an assessment of how you feel about your vision. Treatments, adjustments, and follow-ups will be made based on the progress of reaching your visual goals.
Who is a Good Candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is suitable for all cataract patients. It is especially beneficial for those seeking to customize and fine-tune their vision after cataract surgery to reach their visual goals. The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the first and only lens that can be customized and adjusted specifically to your needs after surgery. It allows you to achieve your desired visual goals with the hope of reducing dependence on glasses or contacts.
We highly recommend the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) for patients who have a history of refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, RK) or have irregular corneas. Pre-surgery calculations are probability and formula-based and become further complicated with corneas previously treated for refractive surgery or with irregular astigmatism. The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) allows us to overcome this difference with the ability to make adjustments after surgery to hit our intended refractive goals.
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