Light Adjustable Lens
WHAT IS THE LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS?
Despite the numerous advances in cataract surgery technologies, it can be difficult to predict which intraocular lens (IOL) would best help you achieve your optimal vision after surgery without glasses. Luckily, there is a new technology that can help, and Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology is the first cataract surgery provider in Northern Virginia to offer it.
Other IOL options have a preset power that is chosen based on measurements taken before your surgery. As you can imagine, differences in each patient’s eye anatomy and how their eye heals after surgery can affect how well they see with this preset lens. The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is unique because its prescription – including astigmatism – can be adjusted once it is in your eye. This gives you the opportunity to try out your new lens, much like you would test drive a luxury car. The adjustment is done through a series of gentle in-office light treatments that take only a few minutes each, and once your optimal vision is reached the prescription is locked in. The LAL is a single focus lens, so unless you choose to have blended vision you will still need glasses for some tasks.
The LAL is especially a great lens option for patients who had refractive surgeries like LASIK in the past, or those with an especially thick cataract.
HOW DOES THE LIGHT-ADJUSTABLE LENS WORK?
The LAL is made from a material that is sensitive to UV light. This means that the shape and focus of the LAL can be changed in the office using UV light from a special machine called the Light Delivery Device (LDD). This machine fine-tunes the prescription in your lens over the course of several light treatments that begin once your vision has settled after surgery.
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED AFTER SURGERY?
After your LAL is implanted, you will need to take some precautions. Because the lens material is specifically designed to be sensitive to UV light, you will need to wear special UV protective glasses to stop ambient sources of UV light (like sunlight) from affecting your lens. You will need to wear these glasses until your final light treatment. Once your lens is locked in, the UV glasses will no longer be needed.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING THE LAL?
Using the LAL has no medical risks apart from those that come with any other cataract surgery. Not everyone is eligible to use the LAL, so we will need to determine if it is right for you during your exam. No surgeon can guarantee that a patient will not need glasses after surgery, and unless you choose blended vision you will likely need glasses for some tasks. Because the LAL is a premium lens, insurance companies do not classify it as “medically necessary” so they will not pay for the additional cost of choosing the LAL. This means that the cost of the lens will be paid out-of-pocket.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Cataracts can often take a toll on your vision, lifestyle, and the way you see the world. During an appointment, our doctors can accurately diagnose cataracts and recommend your best treatment options. To get started, contact Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology by calling or filling out our online form.
