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What Are Light Adjustable Lenses?

Light Adjustable Lenses are the first and only artificial lenses that allow you to customize your vision after cataract surgery. You have the unique ability to adjust and preview your vision based on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

The Light Adjustable Lens is made of a photosensitive material that changes the shape and power of your implanted lens in response to ultraviolet (UV) light in order to optimize your vision. The light treatments take place in your doctor's office with a special Light Delivery Device (LDD). It non-invasively delivers the UV light to reshape your lens based on the visual correction you need for your custom prescription.

How Do Light Adjustable Lenses Work?

  • Doctor and patient talking with an optical maching between them.

    Planning with your Doctor

    You will work with your doctor to determine your desired visual outcome and how many treatments will be needed to achieve those results.

  • UV exposure to a lens modifies it's shape.

    Initial and Additional Light Treatments

    Your inital light treatment will be approximately 2-3 weeks after your initial cataract surgery. Additional treatments will be approximately 3 days after each prior light treatment.

  • Patient looking into a ophthalmic machine.

    Lock-In Treatments

    Once you have the desired results from the light treatments, two lock-in treatments are required. They are completed approximately 3 days apart. 

Fixed vs. Adjustable Lenses

Fixed

  • You must choose your lens prescription before cataract surgery, and cannot be adjusted after surgery.
  • You will likely need glasses after surgery.
  • Your surgery and a basic lens is covered by insurance. 

Adjustable

  • Your doctor can adjust your lens prescription refined after cataract surgery.
  • Your vision is twice as likely to be 20/20 or better, reducing dependence on glasses.
  • Your surgery is covered by insurance, but the lens and prescription adjustments are out of pocket costs. 

Do I Have To Wear UV-Protective Glasses?

After surgery, your vision is still in the adjustment phase. You are required to wear UV-protective glasses to prevent UV light from altering your lense and to protect it before the final lock-in treatment. 

Make an Appointment with a Light Adjustable Lens Specialist

Craig Chaya, MD

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Brian Zaugg, MD

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William Barlow, MD

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