With constant technological advancements in the world of cataracts, patients may not be aware of all the lens options available to them that can improve their quality of life, including the Light Adjustable Lens. Read on to learn more about this advanced lens and its benefits.
What is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?
The LAL is an innovative lens technology that gives patients the option to control and customize their vision after cataract surgery. Unlike traditional intraocular lenses, the Light Adjustable Lens allows cataract patients to work with their eye doctors in adjusting their prescription and optimizing their vision after surgery and test drive their vision before the final adjustment.
What are the benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens?
The LAL gives patients customized vision, and many patients have told our doctors at Minnesota Eye Consultants that cataract surgery with the LAL was an enormous life-changing milestone for them! By correcting astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness, the LAL has the ability to significantly reduce reliance on glasses.
Who is a good candidate for Light Adjustable Lens?
The LAL is a great fit for patients who want the best quality vision at all distances.
Patients should consult their eye doctor to see if they are a good candidate for the LAL. At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we assess each patient’s eye health, lifestyle, and visual goals before determining if they are an ideal candidate for the LAL.
How does the Light Adjustable Lens work?
The lens is made from a unique photosensitive material that allows us to alter the shape of the implanted lens with UV Light following surgery. The LAL will be implanted in the eye, and after the eye has healed, UV light adjustments can be made in an office setting. The LAL allows 3 to 4 adjustments (light treatments) in order to optimize the patient’s vision after surgery. The number of treatments depends on the patient’s desired customization, vision goals, and more. The doctor works with the patient and their co-managing doctor throughout the adjustment process.
What do post-op care and light treatments look like?
After cataract surgery with the LAL, patients will be given UV-protective glasses to keep sunlight from the intraocular lens during the light treatment period. The eye doctor and their care team will work with the patient during the light treatment period to meet the patient’s desired visual outcome. Since the lens will be customized at each light treatment session, the patient will be allowed to decide what prescription suits them.
The first light treatment usually starts 2-3 weeks after the cataract surgery. As soon as the patient’s desired prescription is met, the doctor customizes the lens with the final light treatment.
Support from our team of experts
At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we want patients and their eye doctors to be well-educated on new lens technology and innovations in cataracts, so they make informed decisions. To schedule a cataract evaluation or to find out if you’re the right candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens, please call us at (952) 888-5800. Visit our cataracts page to learn more about what to expect during a cataract evaluation and surgery.
