What is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?

The Light Adjustable Lens is an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) used during cataract surgery or lens replacement procedures. Unlike traditional lenses, which are set during surgery, the LAL allows for adjustments afterward. Your doctor can customize your vision to suit your lifestyle using a special material responsive to UV light.

This groundbreaking technology provides a personalized approach to vision correction, giving patients the best chance for life without glasses.

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How Does the Light Adjustable Lens Work?

The LAL works through a combination of advanced materials and precise adjustments:

Adjustment Beam: Using the RxSight Light Delivery Device (LDD), the surgeon focuses light on specific lens areas to begin the adjustment process.
Photopolymerization: The light activates specialized molecules (macromers) within the lens, triggering a photopolymerization reaction to modify its structure.
Diffusion and Power Adjustment: The inactivated macromers shift to the treated areas, reshaping the lens to achieve the desired optical power and sharpness.
Lock-In Beam: After fine-tuning, the entire lens is exposed to light, solidifying all remaining macromers and finalizing the adjustments.
Final Outcome: The result is a fully customized lens, precisely calibrated to match the patient’s unique vision needs for unparalleled clarity.

This cutting-edge technology allows patients to achieve tailored vision correction, setting a new benchmark in post-surgery outcomes.

Who is a Candidate for the LAL?

The Light Adjustable Lens is ideal for patients who:

Are undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange?
Want to minimize their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Have healthy eyes without advanced conditions like severe glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Your doctor will evaluate your overall eye health and lifestyle goals to determine if LAL is right for you.

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What to Expect with the LAL Procedure?

Before Surgery: A thorough consultation to discuss your vision needs and determine if the LAL is your best option.
During Surgery: The LAL is implanted during a routine outpatient procedure, taking approximately 15-20 minutes per eye.
After Surgery:
- Wear UV-blocking glasses to protect the lens during the healing process.
- Attend follow-up appointments for light adjustments over a few weeks.
- Enjoy sharper, clearer vision tailored to your unique needs.

Most patients report significant improvements in their daily activities without glasses.

Why Choose Northwest Eye for the LAL?

At Northwest Eye, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to ensure our patients receive the best outcomes. Our team of experienced surgeons, including Dr. Jesse Dovich, specializes in the Light Adjustable Lens, offering expertise in both surgical techniques and post-operative adjustments.

Learn from Dr. Jesse Dovich in our LAL Q&A Contact Us to Know More

Watch Our Video | Learn from the Experts

See how the Light Adjustable Lens works and hear directly from our specialists at Northwest Eye.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Light Adjustable Lens

The LAL is a special intraocular lens that can be adjusted after cataract surgery to fine-tune your vision. This makes it unique compared to traditional lenses, which are fixed once implanted.

Patients with certain eye conditions like advanced Glaucoma or Macular Degeneration may not be ideal candidates. Your doctor will discuss your options during a Consultation.

The surgery and adjustment process are painless, though you may experience some mild discomfort as your eyes heal.

Risks are minimal and similar to standard cataract surgery, such as infection or inflammation, which are rare and treatable.

Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two after surgery, though you’ll need to wear UV-blocking glasses as directed.

While cataract surgery is typically covered by insurance, the LAL itself may involve additional out-of-pocket costs. Contact us or visit our Financing page for more details.

Most patients find they need glasses much less frequently or not at all after LAL adjustments.

Yes, the LAL is FDA-approved and has been proven to be both safe and effective for vision correction.

Adjustments typically occur over a 2–4-week period, with most patients needing 2-3 sessions.

The lens is adjusted using UV light during follow-up appointments, allowing your doctor to customize your vision based on your preferences.

Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision

Experience the freedom and clarity of customized vision with the Light Adjustable Lens. Schedule your consultation today to see if LAL is right for you.

Schedule Your Consultation with Northwest Eye