Light Adjustable Lenses Are Changing Cataract Surgery Forever

If you’ve been considering cataract surgery lately, you’ve probably heard about the exciting new development in the field: Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs). These innovative lenses are challenging the status quo of traditional fixed-focus intraocular lenses (IOLs), but how do they really stack up when it comes to visual quality?

Advanced Cataract Treatments

To truly understand the unique benefits of LALs, it’s helpful to first understand cataract surgery as a process. During the procedure, your clouded natural lens is removed eliminating the possibility of developing cataracts in the future. A new artificial lens is put in place, allowing for clear and unencumbered vision.

In essence, it’s a proactive step towards maintaining clear vision for the long term.

With standard lenses used in this procedure, the lens power is determined before surgery. While these lenses do offer significant improvement, the final visual outcome is based on preoperative measurements. Light Adjustable Lenses, however, allow for a period of vision testing and refinement after your eye has healed from the initial surgery

The Numbers Don’t Lie

In a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology, of the patients who received Light Adjustable Lenses, a whopping 79% achieved 20/20 vision or better without glasses!

Compare that to just 33% in the traditional IOL group. Even more impressive, 89% of LAL recipients reached 20/25 vision or better, and every single LAL patient achieved at least 20/32 vision.

The Magic of Fine-Tuning After Surgery

What makes LALs truly revolutionary is their adjustability after surgery.

About 2-3 weeks after your procedure, our doctors are able to use ultraviolet light to fine-tune your lens prescription. They can adjust spherical power with precise increments and once your ideal vision is achieved, two “lock-in” procedures (spaced 3-5 days apart) ensure your results remain stable.

The Bottom Line

The advantages of Light Adjustable Lenses are clear: superior uncorrected distance vision, better astigmatism correction, and the remarkable benefit of post-operative fine-tuning.

If you’re interested in learning more about LALs, Lens Replacement, or how our team can create a personalized vision health programme for your needs, there is no better option than speaking to a trained professional.