Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
At Alliance Vision Institute
At Alliance Vision Institute, we pride ourselves on bringing the latest vision technology to patients in the Fort Worth, Dallas, and DFW areas. We are excited to offer the Light Adjustable Lens™ from RxSight® for patients who are planning cataract surgery, as well as those who are interested in vision correction with Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).
What is the Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens?
Cataract surgery works by replacing the eye’s clouded lens with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). The light adjustable lens is the first and only IOL that can be adjusted after surgery so you can achieve more precise vision correction.
The Light Adjustable Lens is made of a special material that changes shape in response to UV light. After the surgery, the lens is adjusted by exposing it to a specific wavelength of light that changes its shape, thereby changing its focusing power. This advanced IOL offers a fully customized vision correction experience.
How is the Light Adjustable Lens Different From Other IOLs?
Unlike traditional IOLs, which are placed in the eye with a fixed prescription, the LAL can be adjusted after implantation using a special light-based technology. Studies show that, compared to standard IOLs, twice as many patients with the LAL achieved vision that was 20/20 or
Trusted Source
Adjustable IOL Could Help Some Ditch Their Glasses After Cataract Surgery
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Go to Source
better.
Benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens
- Customizable Vision: The LAL allows for personalized vision correction, which can be adjusted to meet the unique needs of each patient. This means that patients are more likely to achieve their desired visual outcomes, including improved distance and near vision, reduced dependency on glasses or contact lenses, and better visual quality.
- Improved Accuracy: The LAL is designed to provide highly precise vision correction, which can help to reduce the risk of postoperative complications, such as refractive error or residual astigmatism.
- Greater Flexibility: Many patients are able to reduce or eliminate their dependency on glasses or contacts after surgery with the LAL.
We are so thrilled for our friends Dr. King and Kasey Gantz from Alliance Vision Institute in Ft.Worth who both had the LAL+ implanted in their own eyes by Dr. Taylor Strange. You can’t miss the excitement from the whole team in the OR and we look forward to following their journey once they begin test-driving their vision during the light treatments.
Your Cataract or RLE Surgery With the Light Adjustable Lens
Preparing for Surgery
The first step is a consultation appointment with one of our experienced eye doctors. We will examine your eyes, review your medical history, and have a discussion about your vision goals. If the LAL is right for you, we’ll review specific guidelines with you and create a personalized treatment plan.
Your Cataract or RLE Surgery
Cataract surgery, as well as RLE surgery, is an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia. Your surgeon will make a very small incision to remove your eye’s les and replace it with the LAL.
Recovery After Surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens
When it comes to recovery after cataract or RLE surgery, the LAL has two key differences:
- You will be given special UV-blocking glasses that must be worn at all times in the first few weeks of recovery, until you have completed your post-surgical UV treatments.
- You will schedule UV light treatments to adjust your prescription and fine-tune it. Once your best possible vision is achieved, your eye doctor will “lock in” the prescription and you will no longer need the special glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Light Adjustable Lens
How do LAL post-surgery UV treatments work?
The UV treatments used to adjust the LAL prescription are quick, painless, and non-invasive. Your eye doctor will use a special light delivery device to fine tune the prescription of your lens.
You will return for multiple light-adjustment sessions until the desired visual outcome is achieved. Patients typically have between two and four treatments within 3 weeks after surgery.
Who is a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens (LAL)?
The Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens (LAL) is suitable for anyone who is undergoing RLE cataract surgery and has a desire for improved vision without glasses. It may be especially beneficial for people who have had previous refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, as it allows for fine-tuning of the lens power after
Trusted Source
Light-adjustable IOL offers positive refractive results in patients
Ophthalmology Times
Go to Source
surgery.
Are there any risks associated with the Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens (LAL)?
Any surgical procedure carries some risk of complications, but cataract surgery is a widely performed procedure with a very low rate of complications. When it comes to side effects, the biggest risk specific to the LAL is the chance of exposure to sunlight before the prescription is locked in by your eye doctor—which is why it is so important to follow all instructions and wear the uv protective glasses during recovery. Your cataract surgeon will review all potential risks with you prior to surgery.
Are you ready to achieve life-changing vision correction?
1 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? Accessed March 23, 2023
2 Ophthalmology Times. Light-adjustable IOL offers positive refractive results in patients. Available: https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/light-adjustable-iol-offers-positive-refractive-results-in-patients Accessed March 23, 2023
The doctors at Alliance Vision Institute have reviewed and approved this content.
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