Revolutionizing Vision Care with LAL® Technology

Advancements in the field of ophthalmology have offered new horizons for individuals dealing with vision issues, and the introduction of the Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL® &  LAL+) is a prime example. Developed to refine visual outcomes after cataract surgery, LAL® &  LAL+  is an innovative technology that allows eye surgeons to adjust the power of a lens implant after the surgery. This provides a tailored approach to vision correction that is impossible with traditional intraocular lenses.

Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL®): Revolutionizing Vision Correction Post-Cataract Surgery

At Chicago Cornea Consultants, Ltd., precision in eye care is paramount. With the LAL® technology, the team of expert ophthalmologists enhances patient outcomes by making post-operative adjustments to the lens. These adjustments are made in response to how your eyes heal, which can vary from person to person. This level of customization is designed to provide you with clear, sharp vision that is attuned to your specific needs.

Embracing cutting-edge treatments like the Light Adjustable Lens™ is part of Chicago Cornea Consultants' commitment to ensuring you receive top-tier eye care. Their adept surgeons and advanced technological suite work in concert to address a variety of vision impairments and focus on bringing you closer to your desired visual acuity. With LAL® &  LAL+, you have the potential to enjoy high-definition vision that is optimized for your eyes.

Cataract Surgery: Fixed and Adjustable Lens

video screenshot

Technology Behind Light Adjustable Lens™

The Light Adjustable Lens™ employs precise, innovative technology, allowing you to tailor your vision post-cataract surgery through a non-invasive light treatment.

Adjustment Mechanism

The core of the LAL® technology lies in its unique ability to adjust its refractive power after implantation into your eye. The lens is made of a special photosensitive material that changes shape and optical power when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This adjustment process is done through a series of office-based treatments where controlled beams of UV light are applied to the lens.

  • Material Composition: Silicones and photosensitive molecules
  • Process:
    • Initial Implantation: LAL® is surgically implanted, replacing the clouded natural lens.
    • Healing Period: Your eye heals, and vision stabilizes (approximately two weeks).
    • Adjustment Phase: Targeted UV light alters lens curvature to refine vision.

UV Light Calibration

Calibration is a critical step in tailoring the LAL® to your visual requirements. Your ophthalmologist uses a device emitting calibrated doses of UV light to adjust the lens.

  • Calibration Steps:
    • Measurement: Your current prescription is determined.
    • Customization: UV patterns are designed to achieve the desired correction.
    • Activation: These patterns are then projected onto the LAL® to adjust focus.
  • Safety Measures: UV exposure is meticulously controlled to ensure safety and precision, limiting adjustments to the exposed areas.
Background media

Benefits of Light Adjustable Lens™

The Light Adjustable Lens™ offers precise vision correction due to its adjustable nature after cataract surgery, providing you with tailor-made visual acuity.

Customization Post-Surgery

After cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist can adjust the Light Adjustable Lens™ based on your specific needs. As your eye heals and your vision stabilizes, any necessary changes to the lens prescription can be made, ensuring your visual outcomes are customized to your lifestyle and preferences.

Enhanced Visual Acuity

With the Light Adjustable Lens™, you are more likely to achieve 20/20 vision or even better than traditional lenses. The bespoke adjustment capability post-surgery contributes to superior visual acuity, reducing reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

woman getting eyes examined

Am I a Good Candidate for Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL®)?

Here are factors to consider when evaluating if you are a good candidate for LAL® &  LAL+:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals without certain eye diseases, such as active diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, or those with a history of herpes eye infections are better candidates.
  • Post-surgery Adjustments: If the potential for postoperative fine-tuning of your lens power appeals to you, LAL® could be suitable.
  • Commitment to Follow-Up: LAL® requires multiple postoperative visits for adjustments and final lens setting. This process may include 3-4 light treatment sessions.

Surgical Procedure and Aftercare

Implantation Process

During surgery, your natural lens is replaced with the Light Adjustable Lens, similar to traditional cataract surgery. It is a quick outpatient procedure, and local anesthesia ensures your comfort. Your eye surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea, remove your native lens, and carefully position the LAL.

Post-Operative Adjustments

Following the implantation, the unique feature of the LAL is its adjustability. After your eye heals, which usually takes about one to two weeks, you undergo light treatments. These sessions use a special device to adjust the LAL to tailor the lens's refractive power to your specific visual requirements. Typically, you'll need two to four adjustment sessions.

Lock-in Protocol

Once you and your surgeon are satisfied with the visual outcome, a final light treatment is applied to the lens to lock in the adjustments permanently. This lock-in protocol is an essential step that concludes the adjustment phase. You must avoid UV exposure before the lock-in is complete to prevent unintended changes to the lens. Post-lock-in, you should protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses until your eye surgeon advises otherwise.

Background media

Why Choose Chicago Cornea for the Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL®)?

Chicago Cornea is the exemplary choice when seeking the best care for your eye health and considering the Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL®). They are the first in Illinois to offer Light Adjustable Lens Plus (LAL+) as well as the traditional LAL. While both of these lenses offer excellent outcomes, the LAL+ lens powers are currently offered in a limited range and are a great option for patients who have not undergone any refractive procedure in the past. Our team's deep understanding of the LAL® technology ensures precise adjustments tailored to your vision needs, and our clinic's modern facilities are set up for optimal handling of LAL® procedures, providing you with cutting-edge treatment options.

With a track record of successful LAL® implants, Chicago Cornea's results speak for themselves. You can expect clear, tailored vision improvements supported by robust aftercare. Our specialized services include:

  • Preoperative assessment
  • Intraoperative performance
  • Postoperative adjustments
  • Long-term eye health follow-up

Chicago Cornea is dedicated to utilizing leading technologies and providing top-tier patient care, ensuring a vision correction experience that is not only advanced but also reassuringly dependable. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about LAL®!

Light Adjustable Lens FAQ

How does the Light Adjustable LensTM work?

What should I expect following the surgery?

What is the reason for wearing UV-blocking glasses?

How long should I expect to wear the UV-blocking glasses?

What about wearing my regular sunglasses that have UV protection?

What should I do if I lose or break my UV-blocking glasses?

What activities are off-limits after surgery?

What happens if I forget to wear my UV-blocking glasses?

How many light treatments will I need?

Are the treatments painful?

What should I expect after each light treatment?

What are the potential risks or complications associated with the procedure?

How soon can I expect to notice improvements in my vision after the procedure?

Will I still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after receiving the Light Adjustable LensTM?

What ongoing care or follow-up appointments are recommended following the procedure?

Can the Light Adjustable LensTM be used for patients with previous refractive procedures, such as LASIK or PRK?

How does the Light Adjustable LensTM work?

The Light Adjustable LensTM (LAL®) is made of a special photosensitive material that changes shape and optical power when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This unique feature allows for post-operative adjustments to the lens to refine vision.

What should I expect following the surgery?

After cataract surgery, you can expect some initial discomfort and mild irritation, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Your eye will need time to heal, and your vision may fluctuate during the recovery period.

What is the reason for wearing UV-blocking glasses?

UV-blocking glasses are essential to protect the Light Adjustable LensTM from unintended exposure to ultraviolet light, which could cause unintended changes to the lens's refractive power.

How long should I expect to wear the UV-blocking glasses?

You will need to wear UV-blocking glasses until the lock-in protocol is complete, which ensures that the adjustments made to the lens are permanently set. Your eye surgeon will advise you on the duration based on your individual healing process.

What about wearing my regular sunglasses that have UV protection?

Wearing the UV-blocking glasses we provide is essential, as they are specifically designed to protect your eyes during healing.

What should I do if I lose or break my UV-blocking glasses?

If you lose or break your UV-blocking glasses, contact us immediately to obtain a replacement. Until you have the appropriate protection, avoid prolonged sunlight or UV light exposure.

What activities are off-limits after surgery?

After surgery, it's important to avoid strenuous activities, rubbing your eyes or exposing them to water. Follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon for the best recovery outcomes.

What happens if I forget to wear my UV-blocking glasses?

If you forget to wear your UV-blocking glasses, try to minimize your exposure to direct sunlight or UV light until you can resume wearing the glasses. Contact your surgeon's office for further guidance.

How many light treatments will I need?

The number of light treatments needed varies for each individual and depends on the specific adjustments required. Typically, patients may require two to four adjustment sessions.

Are the treatments painful?

The light treatments are non-invasive and generally well-tolerated. Patients may experience a sensation of warmth or mild discomfort during the treatment, but it is usually manageable.

What should I expect after each light treatment?

After each light treatment, you may experience some temporary sensitivity to light and minor discomfort, which should subside within a short period. Your vision may continue to improve gradually following each session.

What are the potential risks or complications associated with the procedure?

Potential risks and complications associated with the Light Adjustable LensTM procedure may include infection, inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, and the need for additional corrective procedures. Our expert team will discuss these risks with you and provide detailed information on minimizing them.

How soon can I expect to notice improvements in my vision after the procedure?

Vision improvements can vary among individuals, but many patients notice enhanced visual acuity within the first few weeks following the Light Adjustable LensTM procedure. Attending all post-operative appointments is vital to monitoring progress and ensuring optimal outcomes.

Will I still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after receiving the Light Adjustable LensTM?

The Light Adjustable LensTM procedure aims to provide tailored vision correction, potentially reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. While many patients achieve excellent visual acuity without needing corrective eyewear, individual results may vary.

What ongoing care or follow-up appointments are recommended following the procedure?

Following the Light Adjustable LensTM procedure, regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your eye health and the progress of your vision correction. Rest assured, we will provide a personalized follow-up schedule to ensure the best long-term outcomes.

Can the Light Adjustable LensTM be used for patients with previous refractive procedures, such as LASIK or PRK?

Patients who have undergone previous refractive procedures, such as LASIK or PRK, may still be candidates for the Light Adjustable LensTM procedure.

See the Best withChicago CorneaConsultants

Request an Appointment
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (800) 8-CORNEA.
Contact Us