SoCal Eye is one of the first Ophthalmology practices in Long Beach to introduce the new Light Adjustable Lens from RxSight™. This is a revolutionary new IOL technology for Cataract Patients that allows them the ability to change and perfect their prescription after the cataract surgery has been completed.
What are Light Adjustable Lenses?
The Light Adjustable Lens Cataract Surgery features a new intraocular lens (IOL) technology that can be customized to a patient’s exact preferences after cataract surgery has been completed. The LAL is implanted during a conventional cataract surgery but can be adjusted through the use of ultraviolet light treatments that are performed 2-3 weeks after surgery. The power of the lenses can be modified after the patient is healed from surgery to achieve the highest level of prescription accuracy. After the patient is happy with their prescription the Light Adjustable Lenses will be ‘locked in’ to make the optimal vision permanent. 
Light Adjustable Lenses are made of a special photosensitive material that can be modified and reshaped by the targeted use of ultraviolet (UV) light from a Light Delivery Device (LDD). This reshaping can adjust the power of the lenses giving your eye surgeon the ability to adjust and preview a patient’s vision until it meets their personal desires and lifestyle requirements. LALs can also be used in the treatment of astigmatism.
The Advantages of Light Adjustable Lenses.
Customized Vision Correction: LALs allow for precise and customized vision correction tailored to each patient’s personal needs. The surgeon can fine-tune the lens prescription after surgery in accordance with the patient’s individual preferences and visual requirements. This leads to optimized vision correction that a patient can confirm before the prescription becomes permanent.
Improved Visual Acuity: With the ability to adjust the lens power after surgery, patients have a higher likelihood of achieving their desired visual acuity outcomes. This flexibility minimizes the chances of residual refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, improving overall visual clarity and quality.
Reduced Dependence on Glasses: By optimizing vision correction, LALs can reduce the dependence on glasses or contact lenses for various activities, including reading, driving, and other day-to-day tasks. Patients may experience greater freedom and convenience in their daily lives, enhancing their quality of life post-cataract surgery.
Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: The patient can be an active participant in the final Light Adjustable Lens lock in and can confirm the final outcome. There are no surprises and patients can ‘test drive’ different settings before finalizing their vision. This leads to fewer disappointments and a higher degree of satisfaction. Patient reviews will attest to this positive experience.
Adaptability to Lifestyle Changes: LALs offer flexibility for patients whose visual needs may change over time due to aging or lifestyle factors. The ability to adjust the lens power as needed allows patients to adapt to changes in their vision, ensuring long-term satisfaction and visual comfort.
An FDA study of 600 patients was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device. Six months after the procedure, patients saw an average improvement of about one additional line down the vision chart, for distance vision without glasses, compared to a conventional IOL.
The same study found that the LAL adjustments were twice as likely to achieve 20/20 distance vision at 6 months without glasses as those who received a standard monofocal IOL.
How Does the Light Adjustable Lens Work?
Pre-Operative:
During the Cataract Consultation, prior to surgery, the Cataract Surgeon will traditionally work with the patient to determine a target vision prescription and the IOLs needed to produce it. In the case of Light Adjustable Lenses the determination of the target prescription is important but not final.
LAL Cataract Surgery:
During the Cataract Surgery the cataract Surgeon wil remove the clouded natural lens and implant the Light Adjustable Lens in exactly the same way as a traditional IOL. Patients will receive the lenses one at a time in separate surgeries as with traditional cataract surgery.
Post Operative: Adjustment & Lock In
Immediately following LAL Cataract Surgery the patient will need to wear protective glasses at all times during waking hours for a total period of 4-5 weeks. The lenses are sensitive to direct sunlight and the glasses will prevent the lens from adjusting its shape prematurely. 
After a healing period of 2-3 weeks, the patient will receive a visual acuity test to determine their best prescription. The LALs are then shaped to the exact prescription by a series of ultraviolet light treatments. Patients will be asked to look into the Light Delivery Device (LDD) for only 60-90 seconds per session. 2-3 sessions, 3 days apart are generally required to achieve the desired shape for the exact prescription. Patients will be able to experience and approve the end result before the lens power is ‘locked in’ by a final light treatment that treats the entire optic.
Read: 5 Reasons to Consider Light Adjustable Lenses
Read: Light Adjustable Lens FAQs
Who is not a good fit for Light Adjustable Lens?
LALs are not a good fit for everybody considering cataract surgery. Here are some exceptions:
- Taking medications that increase sensitivity to UV light
- Taking medication that is considered harmful to the retina
- Unable to wear the UV-protective glasses for 4-5 weeks period after cataract surgery.
- Unable to commit to a schedule of UV light treatments
- With history of eye infections, herpes, or uncontrollable eye movements, known as nystagmus
SoCal Eye – Light Adjustable Lens, Long Beach:
SoCal Eye is excited to bring the latest in IOL technology to patients in Long Beach and Orange County. All treatment begins with a Consultation with a SoCal Eye Cataract Specialist or Cataract Surgeon in Long Beach. At this consultation the Ophthalmologist will perform a complete eye exam with dilation and discuss Lens Implant options and whether Light Adjustable Lenses are an option for you. SoCal Eye feels strongly that patients should be informed and educated on all applicable lens technologies when they make their final IOL selection.
Cataract Treatment for patients in Long Beach, Cypress, Cerritos and Garden Grove. Schedule an Appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send us an Online Consultation Request
