Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) by RxSight® is a revolutionary intraocular lens (IOL) that allows for personalized vision correction following cataract surgery. Unlike traditional IOLs, the LAL can be adjusted after the procedure, enabling patients to fine-tune their vision to suit their specific needs. Patients who receive LALs are twice as likely to achieve 20/20 distance vision compared to those with standard
Trusted Source
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSED) of Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device system
FDA
Go to Source
IOLs
, making it a compelling option for those in Cincinnati and surrounding areas seeking optimal clarity and focus after cataract removal.
What is the Light Adjustable Lens?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is an advanced and fully customizable intraocular lens implanted during cataract surgery. If necessary, the lens shape can be altered to fine-tune vision to the patient’s exact specifications using specialized ultraviolet (UV) light treatments after the surgery. This feature makes the LAL a breakthrough for those seeking exceptional, personalized results following cataract surgery.
Candidates for the LAL Procedure
Good candidates for LAL are typically individuals undergoing cataract surgery who want to minimize their dependence on glasses or contact lenses afterward. Unlike traditional refractive surgery options, the procedure replaces the natural lens during cataract surgery, offering a customized solution that can be adjusted after surgery. Candidates may also have refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or moderate astigmatism. Patients should also have good overall eye health and be free from eye conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. The LAL is not recommended for individuals taking medications that heighten sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light or those on drugs known to harm the retina.
Advantages of the Light Adjustable Lens
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) provides several key benefits for individuals undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens replacement, such as:
- Post-surgery customization: As the only intraocular lens that can be modified after surgery, the LAL allows patients to experience their vision before committing to a final correction. Adjustments can be made to enhance vision at varying distances—near, intermediate, or far.
- Less reliance on eyewear: Many individuals notice a significant decrease in their need for glasses or contact lenses following LAL implantation, offering superior results compared to standard
Trusted Source
RxLAL: Say Goodbye to Postop Surprise?
Review of Ophthalmology
Go to Source
intraocular lenses.
- Enhanced precision: With the ability to adjust vision correction after surgery, the LAL ensures more accurate visual outcomes, leading to clearer sight at different distances.
- Convenient adjustments: The post-operative light treatments are quick, painless, and performed in the office, eliminating the need for further surgery.
- Ideal for past LASIK patients: For those who have previously had LASIK or other refractive surgeries, the LAL is a
Trusted Source
Case Study: The LAL in a Postrefractive Patient
Cezon J
Go to Source
highly effective solution.
The Light Adjustable Lens Procedure
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is inserted during cataract surgery or refractive lens replacement, making for a fast and simple procedure. Before the procedure begins, your ophthalmologist will apply anesthetic eye drops to numb your eye. During the procedure, a tiny incision is made in the cornea, and the LAL is positioned in place of the
Trusted Source
Adjustable IOL Could Help Some Ditch Their Glasses After Cataract Surgery
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Go to Source
cloudy natural lens
. A few weeks after your surgery, you’ll undergo a series of treatments with a UV light delivery device (LDD) to adjust and fine-tune your lenses for your desired vision. Each treatment takes a few minutes and is spaced out over several weeks to allow for optimal healing and adjustment.
Pricing and Payment Options for LAL
The price of an LAL procedure can differ depending on your customized treatment plan. For many, choosing LALs can result in significant long-term savings when compared to the recurring expenses of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Be sure to inquire about available financing solutions and flexible payment plans to help cover the cost of your LAL treatment.
Results & Recovery After the LAL Procedure
Patients typically experience clear vision soon after surgery, and the light adjustments allow further improvements during follow-up appointments. This opportunity for optimization and personalization after surgery makes LAL appealing to those seeking the best visual outcomes. After your final adjustment, special UV-protective glasses will be provided to protect your eyes throughout recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Light Adjustable Lens
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a common ophthalmology procedure performed in a doctor’s office to treat blurry vision caused by clouded lenses. During the surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, restoring sharp vision and improving quality of life. The procedure is typically quick, with minimal recovery time.
Can my vision still be adjusted after cataract surgery?
Yes, the LAL can be fine-tuned after surgery using UV light treatments to achieve your desired visual clarity.
How many UV light treatments will I need?
Most patients require two to four treatments, spaced about a week apart, to achieve the best results.
Is the LAL safe?
Yes, LAL is FDA-approved and has been shown to be safe and effective through clinical studies. It is one of the most advanced options available for cataract patients today.
Will the LAL eliminate the need for glasses?
Many patients experience reduced dependence on glasses, though some may still require reading glasses for close-up tasks.
Is the LAL covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover the cataract surgery, but the LAL may require an additional fee. Our office provides financing options and convenient payment plans to make this advanced technology accessible.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about the Light Adjustable Lens and whether it’s the right choice for your cataract surgery, please contact us to schedule an appointment with the eye care specialists at Cincinnati Eye Institute.
Meet Our Cataract Doctors
Convenient Locations in and around Cincinnati
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
1945 CEI Drive
Blue Ash OH, 45242
9997 Carver Rd, Level 2
Cincinnati OH, 45242
2055 Hospital Dr Suite 255
Batavia OH, 45103
601 Ivy Gateway Suite 301
Cincinnati OH, 45245
580 S Loop Rd Suite 200
Edgewood KY, 41017
563 Wessel Dr,
Fairfield OH, 45014
6507 Harrison Avenue, Suite E
Cincinnati OH, 45247
5240 East Galbraith Suite B
Cincinnati OH, 45236
275 Bielby Rd,
Lawrenceburg IN, 47025
87 US-22 #100,
Maineville OH, 45039
6150 Radio Way,
Mason OH, 45040
5850 Innovation Dr,
Middletown OH, 45005
10615 Montgomery Rd
Suite 202,
Cincinnati OH, 45242
4760 Red Bank Expy #108,
Cincinnati OH, 45227
222 Piedmont Ave Suite 4000,
Cincinnati OH, 45219
3310 Mercy Health Boulevard Suite 220
Cincinnati OH, 45211
1 FDA. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSED) of Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device system. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf16/P160055B.pdf. Accessed September 13, 2024.
2 Review of Ophthalmology. RxLAL: Say Goodbye to Postop Surprise? https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/CMSDocuments/2018/01/rp0118i.pdf. Accessed September 13, 2024
3 Cezon J. Case Study: The LAL in a Postrefractive Patient. Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today. Nov/Dec 2011:33. Available: https://crstodayeurope.com/articles/2011-novdec/case-studythe-lal-in-a-postrefractive-surgery-patient/. Accessed October 3, 2024.
4 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Adjustable IOL Could Help Some Ditch Their Glasses After Cataract Surgery. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/new-iol-adjustable-after-cataract-surgery. Accessed September 13, 2024, 2020.
The doctors at Cincinnati Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.