What Is a Light Adjustable Cataract Implant Lens?

A cataract is an eye condition that is a leading cause of visual impairment. Cataracts are caused by old age, injuries, surgery, and congenital birth conditions. Cataracts are a protein buildup that forms in the eye lens and prevents light from entering the retina. Patients with cataracts see halos, faded colors, misty vision, and poor visibility in low light.

Light Adjustable Cataract Implant Lenses are special lenses used to aid vision after cataract-removal surgery. Light adjustable lenses (LALs) are made with special material whose optical power is adjustable to the patient’s needs.

 

How Do the LALs Work?

After cataract-removal surgery, the Light Adjustable Lenses are surgically implanted in the patient’s eye. The specialist chooses a custom prescription lens that is suitable for the patient. The LALS can correct other conditions, such as myopia and astigmatism. They are made using photosensitive material that responds to UV light. After the implant surgery, the eye heals in two to three weeks. The specialist evaluates the patient’s vision and adjusts the lens according to the patient’s needs.

 

The adjustment is made using a non-invasive procedure. A stream of light is passed through the LAL to change the shape and performance of the lens until the desired sharp image is achieved. To achieve optimal vision, the patient requires one to four adjustments. Each adjustment lasts for approximately ninety seconds. The initial adjustment is made approximately two to three weeks after surgery.

 

After that, other adjustments are made three days after the initial adjustment. The total number of adjustments depends on the patient’s requirements and the desired visual outcome. The patient must adhere to the recommended follow-up sessions for the LALs to be adjusted properly.

 

What to Expect After Cataract Surgery?

After the Light Adjustable Lenses are implanted in the eye, the first step is to let the eyes heal well. After they heal, then the patient goes back for the specialist to adjust the lens. The custom adjustments help the patient to achieve a sharp image. After that, the patient is advised to wear protective UV blocking glasses.

 

This is because UV light can cause uncontrolled adjustments to the light-sensitive lenses. The patients wear glasses from the time the lenses are implanted. You can remove them temporarily when cleaning your face or when applying eye drops. After the last adjustment is made, you wear them for at least twenty-four hours, and then you can remove them if you want.

 

Who Is Eligible for LALs?

LALs are suitable for patients with cataracts and corneal astigmatism. Patients who have a history of UV light sensitivity are not approved for LALs. Patients with preexisting macular degeneration have an increased risk of complications. If you have uncontrollable eye movements, you may be better using other types of intraocular lenses instead of the LALs. The procedure has the potential to activate dry eye syndrome as well as undiagnosed herpes eye infections. The patient should go through the proper testing and eye exams before settling on LALs.

 

To learn more about Light Adjustable Lens, contact Volusia Eye Associates in New Smyrna Beach at (386) 427-4143 or Edgewater, Florida (386) 230-0300.