While cataract surgery has been around for many years, the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) has revolutionized cataract surgery results. This new technology makes cataract surgery much easier and more effective, providing more accurate vision correction.
The RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens is a unique lens that can be adjusted after implantation to improve the overall outcome of the surgery. Patients can achieve better vision, clarity, and control over their prescriptions with the LAL.
Read on to learn more about the Light Adjustable Lens and why it’s an excellent choice for those facing cataract surgery.
What is Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) for Cataract Surgery?
The RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is an implantable lens inserted into the eye during cataract surgery. This revolutionary new type of intraocular lens is comprised of a unique photo-sensitive material. LAL’s innovative technology allows surgeons to fine-tune the lens power after cataract surgery to improve the patient’s vision.
What’s the difference between LAL and IOL for Cataract Treatment?
Cataracts are a common eye condition in which the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed today. This outpatient procedure can help patients see better and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Traditionally, cataract surgery involved the removal of the cloudy lens and the replacement with a new one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL would be permanently implanted in the eye and have a fixed power.
However, after the surgery, the IOL may not give the patient optimal refractive power. If the patient’s vision wasn’t as sharp as they’d like, they would still need to wear glasses to correct the vision.
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) was researched and developed to address this common issue, allowing the lens to be adjusted non-invasively after surgery to optimize vision.
How is the Light Adjustable Lens better than other IOL Technology?
The Light Adjustable Lens has revolutionized how eye surgeons treat cataracts in their patients. The LAL is implanted in the eye just as a regular IOL is, but it has the added benefit of being adjustable.
This technology has many advantages over conventional IOLs, including the ability to be adjusted to a higher level of precision than an IOL, allowing the patient to achieve a sharper vision. The lens power can be changed after implantation using a unique light source, allowing the surgeon to fine-tune the lens to the patient’s exact vision needs.
Why Should You Consider a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?
If you’re preparing for cataract surgery, the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) should be at the top of your considerations before the procedure. Technological advances have made the Light Adjustable Lens the best option for cataract treatment.
What are the benefits of the LAL?
The Light Adjustable Lens can help improve the surgery results and offers a range of benefits to the patient, including the following:
- Improved vision and reduced need for glasses
- Possible 20/20 vision after recovery
- Precise vision correction
- Ability to be fine-tuned for specific refractive errors
- Adjusted non-invasively
- Customized specifically for your eyes
- Reduced glare and halos after surgery
Improved Visual Outcomes
The main benefit of a LAL is that it can be adjusted after being implanted in the eye to give you the most improved possible vision eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision within six months after surgery.
Better Vision Correction
The LAL is designed to combat the common refractive errors that cause blurred vision. These refractive errors are caused when the cornea and the lens cannot focus light accurately onto the retina. As a result, the image projected onto the retina is not as clear as it should be.
The Light Adjustable Lens can be fine-tuned to the patient’s refractive error after the surgery. As a result, patients gain improved vision correction with astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.
Dynamic and Non-Invasive Adjustment of Lens Power
Unlike traditional lenses, LAL lenses can be dynamically adjusted after surgery, allowing for greater accuracy in correcting refractive errors. Your vision will be corrected to the exact degree you need and customized for your eyes and preferences.
Additionally, the LAL can be adjusted non-invasively. Unlike traditional IOL, undergoing a second or invasive surgery is not necessary. Adjustments will be made in-office during a series of follow-up appointments.
Reduced Risk of Glare and Halos
Glare and halos are common side effects of cataract surgery, but they can be reduced with LAL. The dynamic adjustment capabilities of the lens reduce the amount of light entering the eye, decreasing the amount of glare and halos experienced.
Who is a Good Candidate For the Light Adjustable Lens?
Speak with a Newsom professional to determine if you’re a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens implant. Generally, anyone considering cataract surgery is a potential candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens, especially if you have the following characteristics:
- Lead an active lifestyle or have an occupation that requires good vision – Since the LAL offers a personalized approach to cataract surgery, it can allow for better vision in situations such as sports and outdoor activities.
- Have higher-order aberrations – This may include presbyopia, astigmatism, or hyperopia.
- Require frequent eyeglass prescription updates – With the LAL, your vision can be adjusted after the surgery, so you don’t have to worry about needing a new eyeglass prescription every few months.
What patients may not be eligible to receive the LAL?
You’re encouraged to discuss your concerns at your consultation. You may not be a good candidate for the LAL if you have the following conditions:
- Under the age of 18 or over the age of 65 as the risk of complications increases with age
- A history of ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy
- Diagnosed with corneal disease, such as keratoconus
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- High risk of heart disease, stroke, or other vascular conditions
What Should I Expect with the LAL After Cataract Surgery?
After surgery, your Newsom doctor will provide instructions and UV-blocking glasses. Wearing UV-blocking glasses helps to reduce the amount of UV radiation the eye is exposed to, which can help reduce the risk of side effects and improve the accuracy of the vision correction.
Although the glasses may be uncomfortable or inconvenient, the benefits of wearing them after cataract surgery with the LAL may be worth the effort. Unfortunately, your sunglasses will not provide adequate protection. Expect to wear the UV glasses continuously for about four to five weeks.
How many follow-up appointments will I need?
While cataract surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is a revolutionary development in vision correction that can give you the clearest possible vision, the procedure is not a one-time fix.
You will need to follow up with your doctor after the surgery to ensure that your vision stays clear and healthy long after your surgery. The number of follow-up appointments you need will depend on your individual needs and the specifics of your surgery.
The LAL is made of a special material that can be altered in shape by exposing it to a specific type of light, allowing for precise and customized vision correction. Expect two to five light treatments using a Light Delivery Device (LDD). While these treatments are not painful, you may receive numbing drops and briefly blurred vision.
How safe is the LAL and cataract surgery?
Studies have found that the risk of serious complications related to cataract surgery with a Light Adjustable Lens is extremely low, with patients rarely experiencing severe side effects. The LAL is made from a biocompatible material and is as safe as traditional cataract surgery.
What is covered by Insurance?
Most likely, your cataract surgery will be covered by insurance. However, expect an out-of-pocket expense with the Light Adjustable Lens as it is not covered by insurance.
Newsom Eye is at the Forefront of Innovation with LAL
A pioneer in the field of ophthalmology, Hunter Newsom, MD, of Newsom Eye, has been involved in developing the LAL procedure for over ten years. Dr. Newsom has been instrumental in advancing technology, helping to refine surgical techniques, and improving patient results.
In 2012, Dr. Newsom participated as the Principal Investigator in the FDA clinical study for the Light Adjustable Lens. He presented the patient data in 2015 at the University of Iowa, showing the more effective results of LAL over all other IOL technology.
Dr. Newsom and his team offer many eye care services at Newsom Eye, from comprehensive eye exams to cutting-edge treatments such as the LAL procedure. The Newsom Eye team pride ourselves on providing the most advanced treatments available to our patients.
Customize Your Vision After Cataract Surgery with Newsom
Trust the professionals at Newsom Eye to give you a lens customized specifically for your eyes and lifestyle! Learn how the RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens can take your cataract surgery to the next level. Contact us today to schedule your consultation because you deserve Newsom Eyes!
