Light Adjustable Lens

Do you have cataracts and recently found out you need to have them removed by undergoing cataract surgery? Before you can do this, you’ll have to select an intraocular lens or IOL. One IOL now available at Washington Eye Institute is the Light Adjustable Lens.

What is the Light Adjustable Lens and How Does it Work?

The Light Adjustable Lens, unlike other IOLs, is an intraocular lens that allows patients to customize their vision after having cataract surgery. Its ability to do this comes from its unique material, allowing it to adjust its shape when exposed to UV light.

First, you’ll have your natural lens removed, and the Light Adjustable Lens implanted to take its place. Next, you’ll go through recovery from cataract surgery.

Chart Illustrating How the Light Adjustable Lens Works with UV Light Exposure

But from here is where things start to change. Because the Light Adjustable Lens is made of a particular material, patients must wear UV-protection glasses immediately following cataract surgery.

They can only remove them if they need to shower, wash their face, or apply eye drops. Then after recovery, you’ll come into the office at Washington Eye Institute.

At our office, you’ll receive light treatments with our Light Delivery Device (LDD) and be able to preview your potential new vision options. Possible vision outcomes will depend on your visual goals, lifestyle, and needs after cataract surgery.

Once you’ve chosen the best prescription, you’ll begin light treatments. Patients typically need between three and five light treatments each before achieving their optimal vision.

Each light treatment is performed about three days apart and lasts approximately 90 seconds. These treatments do not cause pain, and each treatment brings you closer and closer to your ideal visual outcome.

Finally, once you’ve reached your goal, you’ll have a final light treatment to lock in your final result. Patients are left with the customized vision they want to their exact specifications.

Who is a Good Candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens?

Although the Light Adjustable Lens is a remarkable intraocular lens, it’s not meant for every patient. You may be a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens if:

You have astigmatism of at least 0.75 diopters
You need cataract surgery
You do not have any preexisting macular diseases
You are between the ages of 40 and 80
You have healthy eyes
You do not currently take any medications that would increase your sensitivity to UV light
You have realistic expectations about what the Light Adjustable Lens can achieve for your vision
You agree to comply with your ophthalmologist’s Light Delivery Device schedule
You’re comfortable wearing UV-protection glasses to attain better vision with the Light Adjustable Lens

If the Light Adjustable Lens sounds like something that could be right for you, take the first step by scheduling an appointment at Washington Eye Institute in Greenbelt, MD, to learn more.

Is it Different From Other IOLs?

Yes, the Light Adjustable Lens is different from other IOLs. These reasons include the following:

It Provides Patients with Adjustable Vision After Cataract Surgery

When it comes to intraocular lenses, vision is typically static and unchanging. Once the intraocular lens is implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens, patients know what they are getting. Their vision will depend on the IOL they choose. They may have better vision at only one distance and require reading glasses to see clearly at other ranges, as is the case with a monofocal lens.

Or, with certain premium lenses, patients can look forward to better vision up close, far away, and at intermediate distances. However, the Light Adjustable Lens is the only intraocular lens that allows patients to customize their vision after having cataract surgery. By being able to preview their potential visual outcomes before light treatments, patients can ensure they end up with the best possible vision for them, tailored to their exact specifications and needs. Giving patients this option puts the power into their hands and ensures that vision is unique to each patient.

The Light Adjustable Lens is Made of a Unique Material that Reacts to UV Light

A significant reason for the Light Adjustable Lens’ success is its ability to react to UV light. Because its shape can adjust when exposed to ultraviolet light, your ophthalmologist at Washington Eye Institute can customize, modify, and adapt your vision to your precise, meticulous specifications.

Wearing UV-protection glasses during the cataract surgery recovery process and between light treatments ensures that the Light Adjustable Lens can provide patients with the custom, one-of-a-kind vision they want. Because the Light Adjustable Lens is sensitive to UV light, keeping the UV-protection glasses on is essential to preventing extra light from interfering with its outcomes.

After one final light treatment to lock in their results, patients can achieve vision that’s custom and perfect for their needs beyond what a typical premium lens could provide them.

How Does the Light Adjustable Lens Differentiate Itself from Other IOLs?

The Light Adjustable Lens is in a category all of its own compared to other intraocular lenses. Although there have never been so many premium intraocular lenses available before, the Light Adjustable Lens is the only one that gives patients precisely what they want.

It’s especially well-suited for patients with higher amounts of astigmatism and can help reduce dependence on glasses and visual aids after cataract surgery. This makes it especially appealing for patients who are more active or simply want to enjoy life without needing to depend as much on glasses or contact lenses to see.

Learn more about the Light Adjustable Lens and if you may qualify as a candidate for this incredible intraocular lens by scheduling an appointment at Washington Eye Institute in Greenbelt, MD, today!