Request Exam
Menu
Mobile Banner

What is the Light Adjustable Lens?

The light adjustable lens (LAL) is an intraocular lens (IOL) designed to improve your vision and be adjusted after cataract surgery. The light adjustable intraocular lens is the first and only lens designed to be adjusted after surgery. Made of a special photosensitive material, this lens can be adjusted postoperatively using a targeted light treatment. Unlike traditional IOLs, which are selected before surgery and remain unchanged, the light-adjustable lens allows your surgeon to adjust your vision based on how your eyes heal and your personal preferences.

How Does the Light Adjustable Lens Work?

After traditional cataract surgery to remove the cloudy natural lens, once your eye has healed, your doctor will perform a series of quick and painless UV light treatments in our Wilmington office to reshape the lens. These UV light exposure treatments change the curvature of the artificial intraocular lens inside the eye, improving how light is focused onto the retina.

Patients typically undergo two to four light treatments over a period of a few weeks, with each session lasting only a few minutes. This ability to refine your vision after surgery is what makes the light adjustable lens implants a standout treatment, as it offers a truly personalized approach to your vision correction.

What to Expect from Light Adjustable Lens Treatment

The Light Adjustable Lens process begins with your standard cataract surgery and artificial lens implantation, followed by a healing period of about three to four weeks. During this time, you will wear special UV protective glasses to shield the implanted lens from unintended light exposure.

Once the eye is stable, we will begin your light adjustment sessions with our light delivery device in-office, tailoring your vision to your needs, whether you require clear distance vision, improved reading vision, or reduced dependence on glasses. Many patients in Wilmington choose light adjustable lenses because they offer the ability to adjust their vision after surgery.

After Light Adjustable Lens Treatment

After you have achieved your desired vision, a final light treatment is performed to permanently preserve the lens adjustments. At this stage, you can stop wearing UV-blocking glasses and enjoy your vision without restriction. Most patients experience higher clarity and satisfaction compared to those with standard lenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Light Adjustable Lens?

A light-adjustable lens is a type of intraocular lens (IOL) that is meant to improve your vision after cataract surgery. Unlike other IOLs, it can actually be adjusted after surgery to ensure you achieve the perfect vision you’re looking for after your eye heals.

How does a Light Adjustable Lens improve vision?

A light-adjustable lens uses a special, light-sensitive material that allows your ophthalmologist to fine-tune it to your unique prescription and eye needs. They do this by using UV light to change the lens before they permanently lock it in.

How many adjustment sessions are usually needed?

Most of our patients need 1-3 adjustment sessions to fine-tune their lenses to their needs. These sessions are typically spaced a few days to a week apart.

What can I expect during the recovery period after cataract surgery?

During the recovery period after cataract surgery, most patients can expect mild blurriness, grittiness, redness, and light sensitivity. You’ll want to regularly administer prescription eye drops and wear a protective shield to ensure your eye heals properly. Beyond that, you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about a week.

Why is it important to protect my eyes from UV light after surgery?

It’s so crucial to protect your eyes from UV light after cataract surgery because we want to protect the internal structures of the eye, prevent light sensitivity, and reduce possible infection from dust. We also want to ensure there is no damage to the new intraocular lens.

Can a Light Adjustable Lens help with both near and far vision?

Yes, a light-adjustable lens, especially one with extended depth of focus, can help with near and far vision. Your surgeon can set one lens at a distance and one for near vision.

Are the vision adjustments permanent?

Once your light-adjustable lens has been adjusted to your vision needs and it’s been “locked in,” those adjustments are permanent. Your surgeon will walk you through each step of the process to ensure you have all the information you need.

Who is a good candidate for a Light Adjustable Lens?

Good candidates for light-adjustable lenses are patients who have had cataract surgery and are looking for customized vision that fits all their needs. If you have otherwise healthy eyes, are looking to correct near and far vision and/or astigmatism, and are willing to follow the aftercare instructions, light-adjustable lenses are likely perfect for you.

What are the benefits of choosing a Light Adjustable Lens?

One of the greatest benefits of light-adjustable lenses is their ability to give you custom vision. Whether you’re struggling with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, your eye doctor can tailor the lens to meet your vision needs. Additionally, with this type of lens, you no longer have to rely on glasses.

How do I learn if a Light Adjustable Lens is right for me?

To determine if a light-adjustable lens is right for you, you’ll first want to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Eye Consultants. During that appointment, they’ll examine your eyes, review your medical and vision history, and address any questions and concerns you have. From there, they will help you determine if this is the right option for you.

See All

Schedule a Consultation

If you are planning cataract surgery and want to personalize your results, the light adjustable intraocular lenses at Eye Consultants in Wilmington, Delaware, may be right for you. Our experienced ophthalmologists are here to guide you through the process and help you make the most of this advanced technology. Contact Eye Consultants today by completing the online contact form to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward custom-tailored vision.

Dr. Sean Considine

Dr. Sean Considine

Board Certified Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Dr. Sean Considine is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in the inner structures of the eye, eye surgery, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.  Throughout his education, Dr. Considine’s research has been published in a number of peer-reviewed research journals. He even has published a book of poetry. In addition to being an ophthalmologist, Dr. Considine also… Continue reading Dr. Sean Considine

Read More
Patient Resource Image
Patient Resource Image Mob

Contact Us Today

Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.

Request Exam
Watermark Image
“ ”

This is an excellent facility. I have glaucoma and have been treated by Dr. Dealy for over four years. Mine is not an easy case and Dr. Dealy has been so knowledgeable and thorough in answering all questions. She has always spent the time necessary to put me at ease. The front office staff are kind, welcoming, and genuine.

Professional, but friendly. Staff, including the doctors, are knowledgeable, ensuring patient understands diagnosis and treatment options.

When it comes to my eyes, it’s one less thing I have to worry about because I know Eye Consultants is taking care of all my needs.

Next Icon
Prev Icon
More Reviews
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo

Next Level
Eye Care &
Cosmetics

Comprehensive Services

From routine eye checks to glaucoma treatment to cataract surgery, our team at Eye Consultants provides a full range of eye care services to ensure each and every patient who walks through our doors receives the top-quality care they deserve.

View All
Comprehensive Eye Services

Comprehensive
Eye Services

Keeping up with your regular eye checkups is important to maintaining healthy eyes and catching any concerns before they turn into issues. Our comprehensive services allow us to monitor your eye health and provide guidance for treatments and maintenance.

Visit Page
Botox® & Juvéderm®

Cosmetic
Procedures

Our team also offers cosmetic eye procedures, including blepharoplasty, dermal fillers, and Botox, so patients can simultaneously address their aesthetic concerns and their eye health.

Visit Page

Surgery

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, the only way to have a cataract removed is through surgery. Our surgeons have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries and will make sure you are fully prepared for your procedure.

Visit Page
Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses

Properly fitting contact lenses are vital to not only your vision but also your eye health. We’ll help you determine if contact lenses are right for you and ensure your lenses fit so comfortably that you’ll forget they’re there.

Visit Page
Dry Eye

Dry Eye

Say goodbye to dry eyes with the help of Eye Consultants! We’ll determine the cause of your dry eyes and build a customized treatment plan to help you finally find the relief you deserve.

Visit Page
Eyewear

Eyewear

Currently at Eye Consultants we offer a full range of refractive services, including determining your glasses prescription. Coming soon in 2025, we will proudly offer optical solutions for our patients who need glasses.

Visit Page