Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL)
At Virginia Eye Consultants, we proudly offer the Light Adjustable Lens™ from RxSight® for cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE). Patients from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, VA, can benefit from this advanced technology to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
- What is the Light Adjustable Lens?
- How Does the Light Adjustable Lens Work?
- Benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens
- Who is a Candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens?
- Cost and Financing for Light Adjustable Lens™
- Preparing for Surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens
- The Light Adjustable Lens Procedure
- Recovery After LAL Surgery
- Light Adjustable Lens Customization
- FAQs About the Light Adjustable Lens
What is the Light Adjustable Lens?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) by RxSight is a groundbreaking premium intraocular lens (IOL) designed to give patients more precise vision correction after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. Unlike traditional IOLs, which have a fixed power determined before surgery, the Light Adjustable Lens is the only FDA-approved IOL that can be customized post-surgery. This allows your eye doctor to fine-tune your vision correction for optimal results.
While standard monofocal lenses correct vision at a single distance, advanced IOLs like the Light Adjustable Lens can address multiple vision issues, including astigmatism and presbyopia, providing clearer sight at various distances. In fact, with the ability to adjust your lens after surgery, patients with the LAL are twice as likely to achieve 20/20 vision compared to those with standard
Trusted Source
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSED) of Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device system
US Food and Drug Administration
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IOLs.
Many find this reduces or even eliminates their need for glasses or contact lenses.
How Does the Light Adjustable Lens Work?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is crafted from a photosensitive material that allows for vision adjustments after your eye has healed from cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. Unlike traditional intraocular lenses, which have a fixed prescription, the LAL enables your ophthalmologist to fine-tune your vision correction post-surgery for a more personalized outcome.
Once your initial recovery is complete, your eye doctor will schedule a series of brief, non-invasive treatments using a Light Delivery Device (LDD). During these sessions, the LAL is exposed to controlled ultraviolet (UV) light, which changes the shape and curvature of the lens. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this innovative approach allows for precise customization of your lens power, resulting in more accurate vision correction and improved refractive
Trusted Source
Adjustable IOL Could Help Some Ditch Their Glasses After Cataract Surgery
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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outcomes.
These treatments typically take just a few minutes and involve no additional surgery.
Benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) offers numerous advantages for patients undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, including:
- Customizable after surgery: The LAL is the only intraocular lens that can be customized after implantation, allowing patients to “test drive” their vision before finalizing their prescription.
- Reduced dependence on glasses: Many patients experience significant reductions in their reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses after receiving the LAL.
- Precise, accurate results: The ability to fine-tune vision correction post-surgery leads to more precise refractive outcomes, providing clearer vision at various distances.
- Quick, non-invasive adjustments: Post-surgery light treatments are fast and non-surgical, conducted conveniently in the office.
- Great for LASIK patients: The LAL is a strong option for patients who have previously undergone LASIK or other refractive
Trusted Source
Case Study: The LAL in a Postrefractive Patient
Cezon J
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surgeries.
Who is a Candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is a great option for patients who want more personalized vision correction after cataract surgery or RLE. If you’re looking to reduce your reliance on glasses or contact lenses and improve both near and distance vision, the LAL may be right for you. This advanced lens can even help patients with presbyopia or astigmatism achieve clearer vision.
Patients who have previously undergone refractive surgeries, such as LASIK or PRK, may also benefit from the customizable vision correction the LAL offers. However, the LAL may not be suitable for individuals with certain eye conditions, such as a history of eye infections, uncontrollable eye movements, or if you take medications that affect retinal health or cause UV light sensitivity. Your eye doctor will carefully evaluate your eye health and medical history to determine if the LAL is the right choice for you.
Cost and Financing for Light Adjustable Lens™
The cost of undergoing a Light Adjustable Lens procedure can differ based on the specifics of your individualized treatment plan. For many patients, opting for LALs proves to be a valuable investment, often reducing the need for the recurring expenses associated with glasses and contact lenses. Be sure to inquire about the available financing options and flexible payment plans that could make your LAL procedure more manageable.
Preparing for Surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens
Preparing for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange with the Light Adjustable Lens starts with a thorough consultation with one of our experienced ophthalmologists. At this visit, your doctor will perform a detailed eye examination and go over your medical history. You will also discuss different intraocular lens (IOL) options, including the Light Adjustable Lens, to ensure you make the best decision for your vision needs.
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to use specific eye drops and will be advised not to eat or drink on the day of the procedure. Because you will be unable to drive following surgery, it is important to arrange for transportation in advance.
The Light Adjustable Lens Procedure
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is implanted during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, a quick and straightforward procedure that typically takes about 10 minutes per eye. On the day of your surgery, you should plan to spend up to 3 hours at our office, which includes time for admission, consultation, anesthesia, the procedure, and a brief recovery period.
Before the surgery begins, your ophthalmologist will apply anesthetic eye drops to numb your eye, and you may be given an oral sedative to help you stay relaxed. A small device will hold your eye open during the procedure, so you won’t need to worry about blinking.
Your eye surgeon will make a tiny incision in the cornea, then use a technique called phacoemulsification to break up and remove the natural lens. Once removed, the LAL is implanted in its place. The incision is so small that it heals naturally without the need for stitches.
After the procedure, you will have a brief recovery at our center before a final check by our team. Since you won’t be able to drive yourself home, make sure you’ve arranged for someone to pick you up.
Recovery After LAL Surgery
Recovery after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange with the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is typically straightforward, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort, such as slight soreness or pressure. To help with healing and prevent infection, your eye doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops.
In the first few days after surgery, it’s normal to have some blurred or distorted vision, but this usually clears up quickly. Most patients can resume their daily activities within 24 to 48 hours. However, the recovery process with the LAL is different because you must wear UV protective glasses during all waking hours. These glasses are essential for protecting your eyes from unfiltered UV light, which could affect your lens adjustments.
Your first UV light treatment to fine-tune your vision will be scheduled a few weeks after surgery. Following all post-operative care instructions is key to achieving the best possible results.
Light Adjustable Lens Customization
One of the key advantages of the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the ability to customize your vision after surgery, giving you the chance to “test drive” your lens prescription before it’s finalized. Several weeks after your LAL implantation, once your eyes have healed, you will begin a series of post-operative light treatments designed to fine-tune your vision.
During each session, your eye doctor will assess your vision to determine the necessary adjustments. You will then sit in front of a specialized Light Delivery Device (LDD), which uses ultraviolet (UV) light to modify the shape of the lens, making precise changes to your prescription. These non-invasive treatments typically last only a few minutes, and most patients need 2 to 4 sessions, spaced a few days apart, to achieve their optimal vision correction.
Once the perfect prescription is reached, your doctor will “lock in” the final adjustments, ensuring long-lasting results. After your last treatment, you will no longer need to wear UV protective glasses, and you can enjoy your customized vision with no further modifications.
FAQs About the Light Adjustable Lens
Are the UV treatments after Light Adjustable Lens implantation painful?
Most patients do not report significant discomfort during the UV light treatments. Your eye doctor will apply numbing drops before each session to help keep you comfortable. The treatments are brief, typically lasting about five minutes.
Is it really necessary to wear UV-blocking glasses after Light Adjustable Lens surgery?
Yes. The Light Adjustable Lens is customized using UV light, so wearing UV-blocking glasses is essential during recovery. Exposure to unfiltered UV light outside of the controlled treatments could alter your prescription and affect your vision correction. Once your doctor has completed the adjustments and locked in your final prescription, you’ll no longer need to wear the UV-blocking glasses.
Is the Light Adjustable Lens safe?
Yes, the Light Adjustable Lens is FDA-approved and considered both safe and effective. However, like any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks. The most significant risk with the Light Adjustable Lens is unintentional exposure to UV light before your prescription is locked in, which could alter your vision results. To minimize this risk, it’s essential to wear UV protective glasses as instructed by your eye doctor until the customization process is complete.
Will I still need glasses after getting Light Adjustable Lenses?
Many patients find that their vision improves significantly, and their dependence on glasses is greatly reduced after receiving Light Adjustable Lenses. However, in some cases, you may still need glasses for specific tasks like reading or night driving. Your eye doctor will offer personalized guidance based on your unique vision needs.
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Convenient Locations in and around Norfolk or Virginia Beach
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200 Corporate Blvd,
Norfolk VA, 23502
2234 Cunningham Dr,
Hampton VA, 23666
241 Corporate Blvd,
Norfolk VA, 23502
241 Corporate Blvd,
Norfolk VA, 23502
2463 Pruden Blvd,
Suffolk VA, 23434
2020 General Booth Blvd,
Virginia Beach VA, 23454
465 N Great Neck Rd,
Virginia Beach VA, 23454
Contact Us
If you’re interested in learning more about the Light Adjustable Lens or want to explore your options for vision correction, our experienced team at Virginia Eye Consultants is here to help. We proudly serve patients from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, VA, and are dedicated to providing the latest in advanced eye care.
1 US Food and Drug Administration. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSED) of Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device system. Available: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf16/P160055B.pdf. Accessed September 12, 2024.
2 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Adjustable IOL Could Help Some Ditch Their Glasses After Cataract Surgery. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/new-iol-adjustable-after-cataract-surgery?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8NHr27nw6AIVSx-tBh0pRg6kEAMYASAAEgIzE_D_BwE. Accessed September 12, 2024.
3 Cezon J. Case Study: The LAL in a Postrefractive Patient. Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today. Nov/Dec 2011:33. Available: https://crstodayeurope.com/articles/2011-novdec/case-studythe-lal-in-a-postrefractive-surgery-patient/. Accessed September 12, 2024.
The doctors at Virginia Eye Consultants have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.