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Where can I get Light Adjustable Lenses?

When searching for a Light Adjustable Lens, look no further than Newsom Eye in Tampa, Sebring, and the surrounding areas!

How does the Light Adjustable Lens work?

The unique feature of the Light Adjustable Lens is that the shape and focusing characteristics can be changed after implantation in the eye using an office-based UV light source called a Light Delivery Device or LDD. The Light Adjustable Lens itself has special particles (called macromers), which are distributed throughout the lens. When ultraviolet (UV) light from the LDD is directed to a specific area of the lens, the particles in the path of the light connect with other particles (forming polymers). The remaining unconnected particles then move to the exposed area. This movement causes a highly predictable change in the curvature of the lens. The new shape of the lens will match the prescription you selected during your eye exam.

What should I expect in the period after cataract surgery?

Please follow all instructions given to you by your Newsom Eye doctor and staff, including wearing the UV-blocking glasses that will be provided to you. As with any cataract surgery, your vision may not be perfect after surgery. Over the next weeks, you and your Newsom Eye doctor will work together to optimize your vision. Please pay close attention to your vision so that you can discuss your preferences with your Newsom Eye doctor.

Why do I have to wear UV-blocking glasses?

The UV-blocking glasses you are given will protect the Light Adjustable Lens from UV light sources other than the LDD that your doctor will use to optimize your vision. Exposing the Light Adjustable Lens to other UV light sources will potentially change the lens correction in an uncontrolled manner. If you do not wear the provided UV-blocking eyewear, your vision may not improve or it could get worse. If this happens, the Light Adjustable Lens may have to be removed or replaced with a new lens to improve your vision.

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

The UV-blocking glasses must be worn at all times until your eye doctor tells you that you no longer need to wear them (usually 24 hours after your final light treatment). Total wear is typically about 4-5 weeks in duration, however, this may vary depending on the number of light treatments delivered.

I have a special event to attend in-between light treatments, do I really have to wear the UV-blocking glasses?

Yes, you must wear them all waking hours to prevent uncontrolled changes to the Light Adjustable Lens. It is important to think about the time period over which you must wear the UV-blocking glasses and any commitments that you may have. It may be best to schedule your surgery and treatments around these commitments.

Can I wear my regular sunglasses that have UV protection?

No. You must wear the UV-blocking glasses given to you. These glasses have a special protective coating that no other glasses have.

Which pair of UV-blocking glasses should I wear if it is dark outside?

You must wear the dark pair of UV-blocking glasses during daylight hours, even if it is overcast. The clear pair can only be worn outside after sundown.

What happens if I lose or break my UV-blocking glasses?

Please notify our team as soon as possible if one of your two pairs of UV-blocking glasses are lost, damaged, or unwearable, and then continue to wear the other pair. If both pairs are lost or damaged, wear the darkest sunglasses you have and contact your Newsom Eye doctor/clinic immediately.

What can or can I not do after surgery?

Showering
If there is a window or possible direct sunlight in your shower, please wear the UV-blocking glasses in the shower. If there is no direct sunlight, you do not need to wear your UV-blocking glasses when you shower. However, please put them on immediately afterwards.
Sports
Our Newsom Eye team will advise you when you can return to sports-related activities. Your return to more impactful activities may need to be delayed until all light treatments are complete to guarantee a stable Light Adjustable Lens for light treatments.
Tanning Studio
A tanning studio bed is a very strong source of UV light and should be avoided until all light treatments are complete and you have been advised that you can remove your UV-blocking glasses.
Make Up
Our Newsom Eye team will advise you when you can return to wearing eye make-up. Be careful when removing eye make-up and do not place excessive pressure on the eye. Permanent make-up should be delayed until the eye is considered fully healed by your Newsom Eye doctor.
Travel
Travel is not impacted. Please remember to bring all of your UV-blocking glasses and wear them at all times. Also, be particularly diligent in protecting the eyes from UV sources in an unfamiliar environment.
Work
Work is not impacted unless your profession puts you at a higher risk of UV exposure. Please remember to wear your UV-blocking glasses at work until you are told by your Newsom Eye doctor that it is no longer necessary.
Laser Hair Removal
It is recommended that you wait until all light treatments are complete and you have been advised that you can remove your UV-blocking glasses before proceeding with hair removal (IPL) treatments (different IPL devices use different wavelengths). This should include other facial beauty treatments that use light sources.

What should I do if I forgot to wear my UV-blocking glasses?

It is very important that you do not forget to wear your UV-blocking glasses. However, if you do forget – please put them on as soon as you remember. Also, please note how long you were without the glasses and the light conditions during this time, and then contact our team immediately.

How many total Light Treatments will I need?

You will need a minimum of two treatments, and a maximum of five. The total number is dependent on your Newsom Eye doctor’s plan for your vision, as well the amount of UV light delivered at each treatment.

How long do the Light Treatments last?

Each light treatment will last between 8 and 120 seconds, with the average being approximately 90 seconds. Variation in time is dependent on the type of treatment performed.

Are the Light Treatments painful?

Numbing drops will be applied to your eye, and there may be some mild pressure or discomfort. However, the light treatments should not be painful.

What should I expect after each Light Treatment?

Your vision may be blurry immediately after each treatment due to a gel used during the application of the light treatment, but this should resolve quickly. Additionally, your eye may be dilated for the treatment which may require wearing tinted 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, which is common with a light source directed to the eye. This tinge to your vision is especially noticeable on things that normally look white.

Is Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) and Cataract Surgery covered by my insurance?

In most cases, LALs are not covered by insurance. This will add some out-of-pocket expense, however, it is important to note that the majority of cataract surgery is covered by insurance, as well as the surgeons’ fee which will cost the same regardless of the lens implant you choose.

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