Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)

What is the Light Adjustable Lens^™ (LAL)?

Light Adjustable Lenses are an advanced type of intraocular lens (IOL) used in cataract surgery. Unlike traditional IOLs, LALs can be adjusted after they are implanted in your eye. This adjustment is done using a special light treatment, allowing for fine-tuning of your vision to meet your specific needs.

The Light Adjustable Lens^™ Difference

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How Does the Light Adjustable Lens^™ Work?

Light Adjustable Lenses work through a series of steps. First, during cataract surgery, your eye surgeon implants the LAL in a manner similar to a traditional IOL.

After the surgery, your eye will need to heal for a few weeks before any adjustments begin. Once healed, you will visit your eye doctor to undergo a series of painless light treatments. These treatments adjust the lens to refine your vision.

Finally, after achieving the desired vision, a final light treatment locks in the adjustments, ensuring long-lasting results.

Benefits of Light Adjustable Lens^™

Customized Vision: Adjustments are made after your eye has healed from surgery, providing the most accurate vision correction.
Reduced Dependence on Glasses: Achieve clearer vision for various distances, potentially reducing the need for glasses.
Tailored to Your Lifestyle: Adjustments can be made to suit your daily activities and preferences, whether you need better vision for reading, driving, or computer work.
Long-Lasting Results: Once the desired vision is achieved, a final light treatment locks in the adjustments, providing stable and enduring visual improvement.

Light Adjustable Lens^™ Procedure – What to Expect

During the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) procedure, you will first undergo cataract surgery, where your eye surgeon will implant the LAL similarly to a traditional intraocular lens (IOL). After the surgery, there will be a healing period of a few weeks to allow your eye to recover. Once your eye has healed, you will return to your eye doctor for a series of painless light treatments that adjust the lens to fine-tune your vision. These treatments are non-invasive and typically require several visits to achieve the desired visual outcome. Finally, a final light treatment will lock in the adjustments, ensuring long-lasting and stable results.

Cost and Financing for Light Adjustable Lens^™

The cost of a Light Adjustable Lens procedure can vary depending on your personalized treatment plan. Many patients find that investing in LALs leads to long-term savings compared to the ongoing costs of glasses and contacts. Ask about financing options and payment plans that may be available for your LAL procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)

Unlike traditional IOLs, which have a fixed prescription, LALs can be fine-tuned after implantation. This adjustment is made using UV light treatments, enabling personalized vision correction to better meet your specific visual needs.

After your eye has healed from cataract surgery, you will undergo a series of light treatments with your eye doctor. These treatments are painless and use UV light to adjust the lens. The process continues until the desired vision is achieved, followed by a final treatment to lock in the adjustments.

Yes, Light Adjustable Lenses are FDA-approved and have been shown to be safe and effective. The adjustment process is non-invasive and performed by a trained eye care professional. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, which your doctor will discuss with you.

Many patients experience significant improvement in their vision and reduced dependence on glasses after getting Light Adjustable Lenses. However, some patients may still need glasses for certain activities, such as reading or driving at night. Your eye doctor can provide more personalized information based on your specific vision needs.

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Grand Rapids Ophthalmology is pleased to provide top-quality, comprehensive eye care to our patients in the Greater Grand Rapids area. We have 13 conveniently located eye care centers that utilize the latest and most advanced technologies across the entire spectrum of ophthalmology. If you are seeking information about one of our eye care locations please click into our locations page for more information. Hours are subject to change due to upcoming Holidays.