The RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is rocking the world of ophthalmology because it is the first and only cataract lens replacement in which the prescription power can be modified following cataract or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery by a Light Delivery Device. This specialized lens allows you and your surgeon to customize your vision after your eye has healed from the natural lens removal.
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is made of a special photosensitive material that changes the shape and power of your implanted lens in response to ultraviolet (UV) light source. You and your physician will have the unique ability to adjust and preview your vision until it meets your personal desires and lifestyle requirements. The vision may be modified for each eye.
The cataract removal and IOL (Intraocular Lens) implantation procedure of the LAL is exactly the same as a non-adjustable IOL. The difference with the LAL lens is that in the weeks that follow cataract removal, your surgeon will customize your vision through a series of non-invasive UV light treatments that take only a few minutes per eye. You may need 2 to 4 total light treatments over a period of 1 to 2 weeks (sometimes more) to reach your vision goals. Once your vision is adjusted, a final light treatment is used to lock in the desired results.
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) delivers superior vision outcomes that non-adjustable IOLs cannot match. In a clinical study, the majority of patients who received the Light Adjustable Lens achieved 20/20 or better vision at 6 months without glasses. 1
1. US Food and Drug Administration. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSED) of Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device system.
No human has both eyes identical in curvature, size or prescription. Each LAL is tailored to that specific eye and treats astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. If there is any residual refractive error following cataract surgery, simply fixating on the light source for a calculated amount of time lasting a couple of minutes or less will lock in the tweaked prescription thereby resulting in 20/20 or better vision.
Patients with pre-existing astigmatism of 0.75 diopters or more who need cataract removal are considered candidates. Cataracts can develop at different ages from various causes unrelated to the natural aging process. Some factors attributing to cataracts are genetic anomalies, eye injuries, excessive sunlight exposure especially in tropical areas, diabetes, use of certain medications, obesity, and uveitis. Even patients wanting Refractive Lens Exchange or Monovision are candidates. Pretty much anyone wanting to remove their natural lens and replace it with the Light Adjustable Lens with overall good eye health and general health are considered candidates. The beauty and ease of the LAL is its diversity with ease in changing the lens prescription to be tailored to the patient's visual preference. The LAL is especially beneficial for patients who have previously had LASIK, PRK, RK, and other refractive procedures at some stage of their life and must now undergo a lens replacement.
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Our founder, Nader G. Iskander, MD, FACS, is one of a few fellowship-trained refractive surgeons in San Antonio. He has performed thousands of laser-assisted cataract removal surgeries using advanced laser technology and he is certified on both the LENSAR AND LenSx™ Femtosecond laser technologies. LENSAR™ laser system uses augmented reality to collect biometric data and render a 3-D model of the patient’s eye, which is used to create a customized treatment plan. During surgery, the system’s laser is used to create corneal incisions with more accuracy in comparison to a manual incision and one that is so small it does not require sutures. The cataract removal is safe, precise, and results in better visual outcomes for our patients. Additionally, San Antonio Eye Specialists offers a wide variety of lens implant options, so patients get the lens replacement that is best for their lifestyle.
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Anyone who needs to remove their natural eye lens and replace it with an Intraocular Lens (IOL), such as the LAL. So, a patient with a cataract can have the LAL. A patient who does not have cataracts but wants to benefit from a lens exchange can have the LAL.
The LAL is especially beneficial to patients that had previous refractive procedures earlier in life, such as LASIK, PRK or Radial Keratotomy (RK) because the calculation of the Intraocular Lens (IOL) becomes tricky on a previously operated eye. Fine tuning the lens prescription after the LAL placement helps surgeons achieve the desired vision patients seek.
The unique beauty of the LAL is that it allows patients to preview their vision after surgery and assess if it meets their personal needs and lifestyle requirements. Patients can go home and try the lens and see if it is precisely as they want or return back to the office for nonsurgical modifications. If the vision needs to be tweaked or adjusted, it can be done simply by looking into a UV light source called a Light Delivery Device (LDD) for a couple of minutes or less to lock in the prescription by changing the lens shape and power in the implanted lens. This can be done repeatedly at different appointments until the patient is satisfied with the vision. The Light Adjustable Lens is the only one of its kind from RxSight.
Looking directly at the sun is not advised ever, but we provide 2 sets of glasses following surgery: clear and dark glasses. The clear glasses are for indoor use and the dark glasses for outdoor use. There is a 4-6 week window of locking in the lens prescription and for that duration, those specific glasses are advised to be worn. After this time, the prescription is fully locked in.
At your appointment, we will discuss all costs associated with surgery and if any portion is covered by your specific insurance carrier and what is considered elective and out of pocket.
Have more questions about the Light Adjustable Lens? Contact our office to learn more!
If you are tired of seeing blurry images or objects that lack vibrant colors, schedule a cataract evaluation and our experienced team of professionals will guide you with your cataract removal options.
The information provided on this website is for laser vision correction information purposes only. The information on LASIK, cataract surgery, and other vision correction procedures is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. All medical advice and treatment options will be provided by Dr. Iskander at the time of your consultation.
If you are inquiring about laser vision correction, cataract surgery, or LASIK in San Antonio, please call San Antonio Eye Specialists at 210-851-9883. Upon your consultation, you’ll meet with Dr. Iskander to discuss your options toward better vision.Dr. Nader Iskander brings over 20 years of experience to San Antonio Eye Specialists for LASIK surgery, cataract surgery, and other laser vision correction procedures. Dr. Iskander is one of the nation’s leading ophthalmologists and has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the science of ophthalmology.
