What Is the Light Adjustable Lens?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the only lens implant that can be fine-tuned after cataract surgery. Instead of relying solely on measurements taken before surgery, your doctor can customize your vision once your eye has healed — while you preview the result and help decide what looks best to you.
The lens is made of a special light-sensitive material. A series of short, painless treatments with a UV light device adjusts its shape, and once you are happy with your vision a final treatment locks the result in place.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Patients having cataract surgery who want the most customized vision possible
- People with astigmatism or a history of LASIK, PRK or RK, where lens calculations are harder to predict
- Patients who want to try different visual outcomes, such as blended vision, before committing
What to Expect
Before
Your cataract surgery is performed as usual, and the Light Adjustable Lens is placed in your eye.
During
About three weeks after surgery, you return for light treatments. Each session takes only a few minutes, and you can see the change in your vision as it is fine-tuned.
After
Once your vision is where you want it, one or two final lock-in treatments make the result permanent. You’ll wear protective UV glasses from surgery until the lens is locked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to wear UV-protective glasses?
Until your lens is locked in, sunlight could change its shape. Wearing the provided UV-protective glasses whenever you are outdoors or near windows keeps your adjustments accurate.
How many light treatments will I need?
Most patients need two to four short adjustment and lock-in sessions spread over a few weeks. Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on how your vision responds.