In 2023 and 2024 the Light Adjustable Lens from RXSight burst onto the scene and became the IOL of choice for many patients owing to it’s unique new technology and enhanced customization capabilities. The Cataract Surgeons at SoCal Eye in Long Beach have been delighted with the results of this new, revolutionary technology and they invite you to learn more by scheduling a Cataract Evaluation.
The LAL+ (Light Adjustable Lens Plus) is an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) technology used in cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. It represents a significant evolution in the field of IOLs because it offers the unique ability to adjust the power of the lens after the lens has been implanted in the eye. Here’s why this is important:
What is the LAL+?
The LAL+ is a type of Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), which is a lens that can be fine-tuned post-surgery using ultraviolet (UV) light. This lens system is designed to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, after cataract surgery or lens replacement procedures.
The LAL+ takes the traditional concept of a light-adjustable lens further, offering enhanced accuracy and broader customizability in terms of adjusting the power of the lens. This helps optimize visual outcomes, especially when the refractive result after cataract surgery doesn’t exactly match the patient’s needs.
How Does the LAL+ Work?
- Implantation: During cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, the LAL+ is implanted in the eye, just like any other IOL.
- Adjustment: Once the lens is in place, the surgeon can use a special UV light to change the curvature and, therefore, the refractive power of the lens. This adjustment process can be performed multiple times to fine-tune the vision until the desired result is achieved.
- Post-Operative Customization: The advantage of the LAL+ is that adjustments can be made after the lens has been implanted and the healing process is underway. It allows for more precise fine-tuning of the visual outcome, something that is impossible with traditional fixed-power IOLs.
Why is it an Important Evolution of IOLs?
- Increased Accuracy: Traditional IOLs are chosen pre-operatively based on measurements, but postoperative adjustments often require more precision than can be provided in the initial selection. With LAL+, the surgeon can make adjustments after surgery to achieve more accurate refractive outcomes.
- Enhanced Customization: The LAL+ provides the ability to refine vision based on the patient’s unique needs, improving the chances of achieving perfect or near-perfect vision without the need for glasses or contacts. This is particularly beneficial for patients who may have complex refractive errors or other conditions affecting their vision.
- Better Patient Satisfaction: Many cataract patients or those undergoing refractive lens exchange have high expectations for post-surgical vision. The ability to fine-tune the vision after the surgery leads to greater patient satisfaction, as it reduces the likelihood of residual refractive errors that might require additional interventions like glasses, contact lenses, or enhancement procedures.
- Less Risk of Post-Surgical Errors: In some cases, traditional IOLs can lead to slight refractive errors after surgery that may not have been anticipated. The LAL+ mitigates this risk, as adjustments can be made even after implantation.
- Versatility: The LAL+ is particularly beneficial for patients who undergo cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange for presbyopia (age-related near vision loss), as it can also help address multifocal needs or other complex vision corrections.
SoCal Eye. Light Adjustable Lens Plus / LAL+. Long Beach Cataract Specialists
The LAL+ represents an important evolution in IOL technology by allowing for post-surgical adjustments, ensuring higher precision in correcting refractive errors, and leading to better long-term visual outcomes. This advancement improves patient satisfaction and offers a more flexible, customizable approach to vision correction after cataract surgery or lens replacement.
All treatment begins with a Consultation with a SoCal Eye Cataract Specialist or Cataract Surgeon in Long Beach. For Cataract Treatment in Long Beach, Cypress, Cerritos and Garden Grove. Schedule an Appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send us an Online Consultation Request
