Light Adjustable Lens – FAQs

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is a new, revolutionary intraocular lens (IOL) technology that has transformed cataract surgery and represents the next generation of cataract lenses that are implanted during cataract surgery.  Patients are now able to select their optimized prescription to match their lifestyle and test it out before making in permanent.  

The Cataract Specialists at SoCal Eye in Long Beach answer some Light Adjustable Lens FAQs about this remarkable technology.   

What are Light Adjustable Lenses?

The Light Adjustable Lens is a Cataract IOL that can be customized to a patient’s exact preferences after cataract surgery has been completed. The LAL is implanted during conventional cataract surgery but can be adjusted 2-3 weeks after surgery with the application of ultraviolet light. The UV treatments modify the power of the lenses allowing the patient to experience their prescription after they have healed from surgery and this allows them to achieve the highest level of prescription accuracy. In effect they get to ‘test drive’ their new prescription and if happy they can ‘lock in’  the Light Adjustable Lenses for permanent and optimal vision correction. If they are not happy with the prescription they can repeat the UV light treatment until they are completely happy.  

How does the Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL®) work?

The Light Adjustable Lens 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 eye 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.

What are the advantages of the Light Adjustable Lens?

The Light Adjustable Lens is the only lens used in cataract surgery that can be adjusted after it is implanted in your eye.  This means:

Customized Vision Correction: LALs allow the adjustment of lens power after surgery, optimizing a patient’s vision to their unique needs.

Enhanced Visual Acuity: LALs allow the ability to fine-tune lens power post-surgery and this improves visual clarity and reduces residual refractive errors, leading to sharper vision.

Reduced Dependence on Glasses: LALs reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses for various activities, offering greater convenience and freedom to patients.

Greater Patient Satisfaction: Patients appreciate the tailored approach to vision correction with LALs, leading to higher levels of satisfaction with their post-operative outcomes.

How do I know if the Light Adjustable Lens is right for me?

Most patients considering cataract surgery are good candidates for the Light Adjustable Lens. Your SoCal Eye Cataract Specialist will walk you through the process and help you determine if LALs are right for you. Call SoCal Eye at (562) 531-2020 or schedule an Cataract Consultation Online

Who is not a Good Candidate for Light Adjustable Lenses?

LALs are not a good fit for absolutely 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

Will it correct my reading vision?

The majority of patients select a final prescription that is blended and allows for near, intermediate and far sight. The patient can ‘test drive’ their vision prior to ‘lock in’ and if reading is important to the patient the prescription can be adapted accordingly.  Your doctor will discuss with you the many options that exist for correcting your reading vision.

Can any eye doctor give me the Light Adjustable Lens?

No. Not all Eye Physicians are specifically trained on Light Adjustable lenses. SoCal Eye doctors are one of the few able to prescribe, insert and adjust Light Adjustable Lenses in Long Beach and Orange County.  

How much does it cost?

You should call SoCal Eye at (562) 531-2020 for current pricing or schedule an Cataract Consultation Online

Are Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL) and Cataract Surgery covered by my insurance?

Most insurances, including Medicare will cover the surgical implantation of the LAL but will not currently cover the cost of the lenses or the post operative light adjustments.  

What should I expect in the period after cataract surgery?

Immediately following the Cataract Surgery, the patient will be issued with UV blocking glasses and instructed to wear them during waking hours both in and outside of their homes. The Light Adjustable Lenses are photo-reactive and react to UV light and so patients must protect their eyes from any UV exposure during the adjustment phase.

After a healing period of 2-3 weeks, the patient will return to SoCal Eye. They 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. During the treatments the patient will be asked to look into the Light Delivery Device (LDD) for about 60-90 seconds per session. Most patients can achieve their desired prescription in 2-3 sessions which are scheduled 3 days apart.

Once the patient is happy with their vision, no further adjustments are necessary, and the SoCal Eye Doctor will initiate a final light treatment that will ‘lock in’ the final shape of the lens and make it permanent.

Are the Light Adjustable Lens light treatments painful?

The light treatments are not painful. Numbing drops will be applied to your eye. There may be some mild pressure or discomfort, and sensation of bright light but it is over very quickly.

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. This tinge to your vision is especially noticeable on things that normally look white, but should resolve before your next light treatment. Speak with your eye doctor if the pink or red afterimage remains.

How long do the Light Treatments last?

The Light Treatments for adjusting Light Adjustable lenses are very quick. Each light treatment will last approximately 60-90 seconds, with the average being approximately 90 seconds.

Why do I have to wear UV-blocking glasses after Light Adjustable Lens Cataract Surgery?

The LALs are made of a photo-reactive material that reacts to UV light. It is this property that allows them to be shaped by UV light during the post operative Light Treatments. Because UV light is present at lower levels in sunlight and indoor lighting, UV-blocking glasses are important to you protect the lens from correction in an uncontrolled manner. The UV glasses can be removed at night and then permanently after the final Light Treatment.

How long do I have to wear the UV-blocking glasses?

The UV-blocking glasses should be worn at all times after surgery and until the final Light Treatment. (usually 24 hours after your final light treatment). This period typically lasts about 4 to 5 weeks in duration, however, this will vary based on the number of light treatments delivered.

Can I wear my regular sunglasses that have UV protection?

Unfortunately, not. Please wear the UV-blocking glasses that were issued to you by SoCal Eye.  This insures against any mistakes and un-necessary exposure to UV.

What can or can I not do after LAL Cataract surgery?

In general a patient’s activities are restricted after Light Adjustable Lens Surgery so as to ensure exposure to UV is kept to a minimum. Continual wearing of the UV glasses provided to you is important.

• Showering: Unless there is direct sunlight in the bathroom it is ok to remove UV glasses while showering and then put them on immediately afterwards.
• Sports: Doctors recommend a return to light exercise (walking) the day after any cataract Surgery. However, more strenuous activities like biking, running, tennis and golf should be managed in conjunction with your SoCal Eye doctor and will likely need to be paused until after the Light Treatments are concluded.
• Tanning Studio: Tanning beds emit a very strong source of UV light and should be avoided until all light treatments are complete. Please consult you SoCal Eye doctor before commencing.
• Makeup: It is best to avoid eye makeup to ensure no undue pressure on the eye and resume after the LAL Light Treatments are concluded.
• Travel: Travel is OK so long as a strict regimen is maintained with the UV glasses to avoid exposure to UV light.
• Work: Work activities should not be impacted unless exposure to UV light is likely. Be sure to wear the UV glasses until you are told by your eye doctor that it is no longer necessary.
• Laser Treatments: Laser treatments such a facial and hair loss treatments should be avoided until after the final light treatment.