Representing the latest innovation in cataract treatment, the light adjustable lens offers patients a way to fine-tune their vision after cataract. Updegraff Laser Vision is excited to offer this innovative cataract replacement lens that could allow you to achieve your best vision possible.
The light adjustable lens contains a light-sensitive material that’s reactive to ultraviolet light, which in turn causes a change in the lens’s power. By controlling the amount and intensity of UV light the lens receives, your eye doctor can adjust the strength of the lens after cataract surgery and essentially “fine-tune” your vision.
The eye doctor makes these changes during light treatment sessions following cataract surgery using a special piece of equipment called a light delivery device. Many people who choose the light adjustable lens are able to achieve their desired level of vision clarity after one to three treatment sessions, each spaced a few days to weeks apart.
Once the eye has healed from cataract surgery, you will return to your eye doctor’s office for light treatment sessions to change the strength of the lens. The eye doctor uses a light delivery device, which emits UV light under controlled conditions.
During the treatment session, you will sit comfortably in front of the light delivery device. Your eye doctor will then direct a precise amount of UV light onto the lens, which causes it to change in power.
This is all done without causing any pain or discomfort, and it is very quick. After achieving your desired level of visual sharpness, the eye doctor can permanently lock in the results during the final session.
This final step ensures that no further exposure to UV light will interfere with the lenses’ performance or change your vision.
The light adjustable lens is a great choice for a wide range of cataract patients. Typically, patients with refractive issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can benefit greatly from these advanced lenses. However, light adjustable lenses may not be a good choice for certain patients. You may not be good candidate for the LAL if you:
Patients considering the light adjustable lens should also be prepared for their follow-up care, which can be more extensive than for other types of replacement lenses. Besides the light treatments, patients may need follow-up visits with their eye doctor that could continue for several months.
The customizable nature of these lenses often results in less reliance on glasses for many daily activities after cataract surgery.
With light adjustable lenses, patients can experience different visual options before finalizing their prescription, a unique feature not available with standard IOLs.
In addition to addressing cataracts, these lenses can also correct minor astigmatism.
As with any other replacement lens, vision care providers can’t guarantee results for individual patients receiving the light adjustable lens. Even so, light adjustable lenses have demonstrated a higher likelihood of better vision without the need for glasses or contacts than any other type of lens. Because of its adjustability, you can trial and test drive your vision before the power is set. This means, you will be able to have better control over your vision outcome.
There were a lot of things that I was finding I couldn’t do any longer…My eyesight today has changed my life.
Becky Davies
Light Adjustable Lens Patient
