How Do They Work?

The secret lies in the lens material. LALs are made of a unique photosensitive material that changes shape and refractive power when exposed to UV light of a specific wavelength. After implantation and healing, the patient visits their ophthalmologist for a series of light treatments to achieve precise vision correction tailored to their individual needs.

Key Benefits of Light-Adjustable Lenses

1. Customized Vision Correction: Unlike standard lenses, LALs allow for personalized adjustments, ensuring optimal vision for both near and far distances.
2. Reduced Dependence on Glasses: Patients often achieve outcomes that minimize or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
3. Greater Corrective Precision: With traditional implant lenses, precision in achieving target vision is limited for those who have previously undergone LASIK or PRK surgery, as well as those with astigmatism or other ocular conditions. LALs are the better option for these patients as the lens power can be adjusted after implantation, resulting in a more precise result.
4. The Chance to Experience and Fine-tune Monovision Results: Monovision is a technique where one eye is surgically targeted for distance vision and the other for near vision. This allows the patient to see far and near without glasses. However, it can be hard for patients to decide which distance will be best for their near vision. In this case, LALs are optimal as the implant can be adjusted later to match the patient’s preference. If a patient ends up not adapting to monovision, they can adjust back to regular vision.
5. Less Time Out of Contact Lenses Preoperatively: With traditional implant lenses, the patient often must stay out of their contact lenses for weeks before surgery in order for the cornea to revert back to baseline so a predictable visual result can be achieved. LALs do not have this problem because the patient stays out of their contact lens after the surgery to allow the cornea to change instead.  If the target vision is off, the implant lens power can be adjusted.
6. Shorter Wait Between Cataract Surgeries: With traditional implant lenses there is usually a two week wait between cataract surgeries in order to assess the result of the first eye and change the planned lens power in the second eye for better accuracy. Because LALs are adjustable after surgery, the starting power of the implant is not dependent on the results of the first eye. For this reason, cataract surgeries with LALs can be done one week apart instead of two
7. Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: The ability to adjust vision post-surgery offers a safety net, providing peace of mind for both patients and surgeons.

The Process: Step-by-Step

1. Surgery: The LAL is implanted just like any other intraocular lens during cataract or refractive surgery.
2. Healing Period: A healing phase of 4-5 weeks after surgery allows the eye to recover and stabilize before any adjustments are made.
3. Light Adjustments: Using a UV light delivery device, the doctor fine-tunes the lens power during up to three sessions. While the adjustments are typically done in the weeks following surgery, the sessions can actually be spread out over many months. This makes it especially convenient for those needing extra time due to illness or traveling. For those having both eyes done, sessions are usually done after both eyes have healed so that they can be adjusted in the same appointment.
4. Final Lock-In: Once the desired vision correction is achieved, the UV light delivery device is used to “lock in” the lens shape permanently. Two lock-in treatments are required and can usually be done a week apart.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

LALs are ideal for individuals undergoing cataract or refractive surgery who want precise, customizable outcomes. They are especially beneficial for patients with astigmatism, previous RK, LASIK or PRK surgery, contact lens wearers, or those hesitant about pre-surgery lens power selection.

Considerations and Limitations

• UV Protection: Patients must wear special UV-blocking glasses during the post-op, adjustment, and lock-in periods to prevent unintended lens changes. These are provided to the patient free of charge.
• Cost: LALs are more expensive than traditional IOLs, and insurance will not cover the additional costs.

The Future of Vision Correction

The light-adjustable lens represents a significant step forward in technology and personalized eye care. Its ability to offer post-surgical adjustments vastly increases the likelihood that patients can enjoy clear, precise vision tailored to their lifestyle and preferences.