What Is the Light Adjustable Lens?
The RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the first and only intraocular lens (IOL) that allows an ophthalmologist to customize the lens after cataract surgery for the crispest vision possible. Traditionally, patients have had limited options to improve the performance of their vision after cataract surgery, but the Light Adjustable Lens allows doctors to tweak already-implanted lenses in the weeks following surgery based on the patient’s feedback.
How Does the Light Adjustable Lens Work?
The Light Adjustable Lens is composed of a unique photosensitive material that changes shape and intensity when exposed to ultraviolet light. During brief follow-up appointments, the ophthalmologist shines a safe, non-invasive UV light onto the Light Adjustable Lens to slightly manipulate the lens power and achieve higher-performance vision. This treatment is done in the office and can be repeated multiple times to get the most precise vision possible. Once the patient is happy with the vision, your ophthalmologist can perform a final lock-in step to permanently lock the prescription of the Light Adjustable Lens.
What to Expect Video:
Benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens
Advantages of choosing the RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens include:
- Twice as many patients achieve 20/20 or better vision (without the need for glasses) as those who use standard IOLs.
- No other IOL allows the ophthalmologist to further improve the patient’s vision after surgery.
- Patients have multiple opportunities to try out the lens in the real world and provide input on ways their vision is less than perfect to make the appropriate adjustments for their lifestyle.
- Much lowered dependency on prescription glasses after cataract surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens?
The Light Adjustable Lens is appropriate for most people who need surgery to address hazy vision caused by cataracts and who also have a corneal astigmatism that makes it necessary to wear prescription lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses) to see correctly.
Ophthalmologists do not recommend Light Adjustable Lenses to patients who have a macular disease like age-related macular degeneration, a herpes infection in the eye, or heightened sensitivity to UV light (usually due to medication use).
Good candidates must be willing to wear UV-protecting glasses throughout the day for at least one month after cataract surgery. Patients who do not think they can follow this instruction should choose a different type of IOL.
The LAL Procedure
Cataract surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens is performed in the same manner as cataract surgery with any other type of IOL. This allows the ophthalmologist to use the same techniques they have perfected throughout their careers to achieve the best results with minimal risk of complications.
In the weeks following the procedure, the patient returns to the office of Boston Eye Physicians and Surgeons to receive a UV light treatment, which lasts about 90 seconds and does not cause discomfort. Thereafter, the patient has the chance to test their vision at this new setting for a few days to see if any further adjustments are necessary. Patients can undergo up to three UV treatments to achieve the most precise vision possible. Once patients have pinpointed the best shape and power for the lens, the ophthalmologist performs a separate light procedure to lock in the lens so that it is no longer malleable from UV exposure.
Recovery After Receiving the Light Adjustable Lens
Because Light Adjustable Lenses are inserted using standard cataract surgery techniques, the recovery timeline is like that of any other cataract patient. Patients can expect to see clearly enough to resume normal activities within one to three days of surgery.
The main difference is the requirement that patients should wear UV protective glasses to block out UV light (Clear UV block glasses indoors and dark UV block sunglasses outdoors) for about one month after surgery. This is essential since incidental UV light exposure can accidentally change the prescription before the final lock-in treatment. Once the Light Adjustable Lens power has been locked-in, the patient no longer needs these UV block glasses.
Customize Your Vision with the Light Adjustable Lens
For the clearest vision after cataract surgery, please schedule a consultation with the outstanding eye doctors at Boston Eye Physicians and Surgeons to discuss the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) and all other lens options. Call (617) 232-9600 today.
