The light adjustable lens is the only artificial intraocular lens that can be fine-tuned after cataract surgery, allowing patients to personalize their vision results. The cataract surgeons at The Eye Associates are excited to offer their cataract patients this groundbreaking advancement in intraocular lens technology.
The light adjustable lens is the only intraocular lens (IOL) whose focusing strength can be changed after cataract surgery. This differs from other traditional lenses, which can only be adjusted before or during cataract surgery.
This unique feature allows patients to test-drive different focusing strengths before their eye doctor finalizes the lenses’ power. The end result is a new level of vision that satisfies the patient’s needs and expectations.
In addition to the clear, synthetic construction common to all IOLs, a light adjustable lens also contains photo-sensitive materials that interact with ultraviolet light. This interaction causes changes in the power of the lens.
To take advantage of this feature, patients undergo a series of painless light treatments with a device called a light delivery device that the doctor uses to precisely direct UV light onto the new lenses. Each session takes about ninety seconds to complete.
Patients normally undergo one to three sessions, spaced out over several days in between, until the lenses reach the desired level of sharpness. With the last treatment, the eye doctor can then permanently set the lenses so that they are no longer affected by UV light.
The Light Adjustable Lens can benefit many patients, but they’re particularly well-suited for individuals with certain characteristics. Here are the qualities of a good candidate for light adjustable lenses:
The best way to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for light adjustable lenses is to consult with your eye doctor at The Eye Associates. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, discuss your vision goals, and help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Patients receiving light adjustable lenses have a higher likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision than those with other types of IOLs.
While other cataract replacement lenses essentially set your vision at the time of cataract surgery, light adjustable lenses allow patients to try out different lens strengths after their procedure.
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
