Cataract Surgery: Light Adjustable Lens™
Advancements in the field of ophthalmology have offered new horizons for individuals dealing with vision issues, and the introduction of the Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL® & LAL+) is a prime example.
Developed to refine visual outcomes after cataract surgery, LAL® & LAL+ is an innovative technology that allows eye surgeons to adjust the power of a lens implant after the surgery. This provides a tailored approach to vision correction that is impossible with traditional intraocular lenses.
With the LAL® technology, our team of expert ophthalmologists enhances patient outcomes by making post-operative adjustments to the lens. These adjustments are made in response to how your eyes heal, which can vary from person to person. This level of customization is designed to provide you with clear, sharp vision that is attuned to your specific needs.
How does the Light Adjustable Lens™ work?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL®) is made of a special photosensitive material that changes shape and power of the implanted lens in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. The light treatments are delivered by the RxSight Light Delivery Device (LDD) which are done in your doctor’s office. What makes the Light Adjustable Lens so unique is that these changes are made to the lens after it has been implanted in your eye and you have healed from surgery.
Benefits of Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL)
- Customizable Vision Post-Surgery: Unlike traditional intraocular lenses (IOLs), the Light Adjustable Lens allows for post-operative customization of vision. Patients can adjust and preview their vision to fit personal desires and lifestyle requirements, ensuring superior vision outcomes not possible with non-adjustable IOLs.
- Correction of Multiple Vision Problems: The procedure offers the opportunity to correct other vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, or presbyopia, alongside cataract surgery. This multifaceted approach maximizes the surgery's benefits.
- High Success Rate for Achieving 20/20 Vision: Studies show patients who received the Light Adjustable Lens followed by adjustments were twice as likely to achieve 20/20 vision at 6 months without glasses compared to those who received a standard monofocal IOL.
- UV Light Treatments for Final Adjustments: The LAL utilizes UV light treatments to finalize vision adjustments. This non-invasive method allows for precise refinement of vision based on the patient's specific needs and preferences, with the lens power permanently locked in after the desired outcome is achieved.
- Protection and Safety Measures: Post-surgery, patients are provided with UV-blocking glasses to protect the eyes from uncontrolled changes caused by UV light exposure. This protection is crucial until the final lens adjustment is locked in, ensuring the stability and longevity of the corrective vision achieved.
FAQ's
What should I expect in the period after cataract surgery?
Please follow all instructions provided to you by your eye doctor and staff, including use of the UV blocking glasses that will be provided to you. As with any cataract surgery, your vision may not be perfect after surgery. While your eye doctor selected the lens they anticipated would give you the best possible vision, it was only an estimate. Fortunately, you have selected the Light Adjustable Lens! In the following weeks, you and your eye doctor will work together to optimize your vision. Please make sure to pay close attention to your vision and be prepared to discuss preferences with your eye doctor.
Why do I have to wear UV-blocking glasses?
The UV-blocking glasses you are provided with protect the Light Adjustable Lens from UV light sources other than the LDD that your doctor will use to optimize your vision. Exposing the Light Adjustable Lens to other UV light sources can potentially change the lens correction in an uncontrolled manner. If you do not wear the provided UV-blocking eyewear, your vision may not improve or it could get worse. If this happens, please contact your physician.How long do I have to wear the UV-blocking glasses?
The UV-blocking glasses should be worn at all times until your eye doctor tells you that you no longer need to wear them (usually 24 hours after your final light treatment). Total wear is typically about 4-5 weeks in duration, however, this may vary depending on the number of light treatments delivered.Can I wear my regular sunglasses that have UV protection?
The UV-blocking glasses you are provided with protect the Light Adjustable Lens from UV light sources other than the LDD that your doctor will use to optimize your vision. Exposing the Light Adjustable Lens to other UV light sources can potentially change the lens correction in an uncontrolled manner. If you do not wear the provided UV-blocking eyewear, your vision may not improve or it could get worse. If this happens, please contact your physician.What happens if I lose or break my UV-blocking glasses?
Please notify your eye doctor/clinic as soon as possible if one of your two pairs of UV-blocking glasses are lost, damaged or unwearable, and then continue to wear the other pair. If both pairs are lost or damaged, wear the darkest sunglasses you have and contact your eye doctor/clinic.What can or can't I do after surgery?
- Showering: If there is a window or possible direct sunlight in your shower, please wear the UV-blocking glasses in the shower, or consider showering after the sun has gone down or before it comes up. If there is no direct sunlight, you do not need to wear your UV-blocking glasses when you shower. However, please put them on immediately afterwards.
- Sports: Your eye doctor will advise you when you can return to sports.
- Tanning: A tanning studio bed is a very strong source of UV light, and should be avoided until all light treatments are complete and you have been advised that you can remove your UV-blocking glasses.
- Makeup: Your eye doctor will advise you when you can return to wearing eye make-up.
- Travel: Travel is not impacted.
- Work: Work is not impacted, unless your profession puts you at a higher risk of UV exposure.
- Laser Treatments: It is recommended that you wait until all light treatments are complete and you have been advised that you can remove your UV-blocking glasses
What should I do if I forgot to wear my UV-blocking glasses?
It is very important that you do not forget to wear your UV-blocking glasses. However, if you do forget, please put them on as soon as you remember.How many total light treatments will I need?
Between 1 and 3 light treatments, each lasting approximately 90 seconds and separated by approximately 3 days, are required. The total number of light treatments is based on the achievement of the desired visual outcome that you and your doctor selected. Once you have achieved your final optimal vision, the lens power is permanently locked with two final light treatments to prevent any further changes.Are the light treatments painful?
Numbing drops will be applied to your eye. There may be some mild pressure or discomfort, and some patients have perceived the treatment to be bright, however the light treatments should not be painful.What should I expect after each light treatment?
Your vision may be blurry immediately after each treatment due to a gel used during application of the light treatment, but this should resolve quickly. Additionally, your eye may be dilated for the treatment, which may require wearing the tinted UV blocking glasses for a few hours. It may take approximately 24 hours after each light treatment to notice an improvement in your vision. The light from the LDD may also cause a temporary or long-lasting pink or red afterimage, which is common with a light source directed to the eye. This tinge to your vision is especially noticeable on things that normally look white, but should resolve. Speak with your doctor if the pink or red after image remains.
FAQ's provided by RxSIGHT
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Southwest Eyecare
7110 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM
Phone: (505) 346-0500
Fax: (505) 346-0164
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7110 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109