Light Adjustable Lens

Custom Treatment, Clearer Vision

Cataracts no longer need to define your vision. Lens replacement has long been the mainstay of treatment. However, once the lens was implanted, there was nothing else a specialist could do. With a Light Adjustable Lens, patients can customize the lens after surgery. Our team at Aloha Eye Clinic is proud to offer both the standard Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) and the enhanced LAL+

 

What Is a Light Adjustable Lens?

Cataract treatment involves removing the clouded lens in the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. Before, the replacement lens could be adjusted only before implanting it. This limited the ability to fine-tune it for your vision.

A Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) transforms the experience. It is made from a special UV-reactive material that can be fine-tuned to the patient's vision after it is already in the eye. This process gives you clearer vision tailored to what looks best for you.

 

How Does an LAL Work?

Replace the Natural Lens: We will perform a surgical procedure that involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with your LAL. This brief procedure can take as little as 15 minutes.

Initial Light Treatment: About 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, you can come in for your first adjustment. We use a specialized UV device to direct light at the lens. The lens material responds to the light, adjusting how light falls on your retina.

Additional Light Treatments: You spend about 3 days between adjustments getting used to the previous adjustment. This gives you enough time to see how it feels and express what further changes you might need. Most patients need up to 3 fine-tuning adjustments.

Locking In Results: The lock-in treatments involve cementing the adjustments so that future UV light will not change your vision. This involves two lock-in visits spaced about 3 days apart.

 
 

Light Adjustable Lens FAQs

  • Cataracts form due to the breakdown of proteins and fibers in the eye's lens. This results in progressive cloudiness that gradually dims and worsens your vision. If left untreated, they can continue to worsen, potentially leading to eventual blindness.

  • Many people think they need glasses or LASIK but may only really need cataract treatment. Patients can expect improved vision after receiving an LAL, with many patients achieving 20/20 vision. Patients are often surprised at how drastic a difference this quick procedure can make.

  • You will need to wear UV-protective glasses during your adjustment period. Remember, the lens is reactive to UV light. Since sunlight has plenty of UV in it, enough exposure to sunlight can alter your lens. Wearing UV glasses keeps the adjustments from changing before you have your lock-in treatments.

  • LALs are designed to last a lifetime, serving as a permanent solution to cataracts. Once you lock in your results, the lenses should provide years of enhanced vision. Vision changes may still occur due to other eye conditions, which may need separate treatment if present.

  • Both LAL and LAL+ provide exceptional results, but LAL+ may be more suitable for patients who need additional vision benefits. A standard LAL is sufficient for most patients who only need fine-tuning for distance vision (i.e., for patients who are near sighted). LAL+ offers more flexibility with the depth of focus, allowing for improving intermediate and near vision (such as for reading or working on a computer).

  • If you have cataracts, then an LAL could be right for you and mean a lifetime of clearer vision. Most patients who have cataracts will qualify for this procedure. Even though it is surgical, it places minimal strain on the body.

  • LALs are a more recent development. So many patients may already have had traditional cataract surgery, which may not have led to optimal results. Fortunately, many patients with a fixed lens replacement may qualify for replacing it with an LAL. We consult with each patient to ensure they have no other eye or health conditions that could contraindicate LAL replacement.

  • The cost of an LAL procedure will depend on individual factors, such as the number of adjustments needed. Generally, the cost is about $4,000 to $6,000 per eye. However, patients typically only need to have the procedure once, making it an investment in a lifetime of clearer energy.

  • Insurance coverage can vary for LAL surgery, with some plans providing reimbursement for the procedure. We can work with patients to clarify what their vision insurance covers and what the out-of-pocket cost of LAL surgery could be for them.

 
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