LAL Experience
Selecting a Lens Implant (IOL) for Cataract or Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
Dr. Hamilton uses pre-surgery eye measurements and intraoperative diagnostic tools at his office in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles to estimate the power and type of IOL he thinks will provide you with the best vision after surgery.
Every eye of every patient heals in its own, unique way. This healing process can affect the position of the IOL in the eye. If the IOL heals into place more towards the front of the eye than average, the eye ends up slightly nearsighted. Similarly, if the IOL heals into place more towards the back of the eye than average, the eye ends up slightly farsighted.
Despite the number and quality of measurements used to select the IOL power and predict the visual outcome, it is still just an estimate for any given patient. And because every eye heals slightly differently after surgery, getting ‘close’ to the predicted outcome is often the best result a patient can expect. If the visual target is not achieved, this can be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or additional surgery, such as LASIK or by removing and replacing the IOL.
Light Adjustable Lens
In Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA
LAL Experience
Selecting a Lens Implant (IOL) for Cataract or Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
Dr. Hamilton uses pre-surgery eye measurements and intraoperative diagnostic tools at his office in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles to estimate the power and type of IOL he thinks will provide you with the best vision after surgery.
Every eye of every patient heals in its own, unique way. This healing process can affect the position of the IOL in the eye.
If the IOL heals into place more towards the front of the eye than average, the eye ends up slightly nearsighted.
Similarly, if the IOL heals into place more towards the back of the eye than average, the eye ends up slightly farsighted.
Despite the number and quality of measurements used to select the IOL power and predict the visual outcome, it is still just an estimate for any given patient.
And because every eye heals slightly differently after surgery, getting ‘close’ to the predicted outcome is often the best result a patient can expect.
If the visual target is not achieved, this can be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or additional surgery, such as LASIK or by removing and replacing the IOL.
Light Adjustable Lens
Light Adjustable Lens Patient Experience
8:40 duration
What Our Patients Say
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the only IOL that enables you and Dr. Hamilton to design, trial, and customize your vision after cataract surgery. Adjustability takes cataract surgery to the next level by giving you a lens customized specifically for your eyes.
In an FDA study of 600 subjects, those who received the LAL were twice as likely (as those who received a standard monofocal IOL) to achieve 20/20 vision without glasses.
The Light Adjustable Lens is made of a special photo-sensitive material that changes the power of your implanted lens in response to UV light, increasing the likelihood that you will achieve your desired vision after cataract surgery.
If you select the Light Adjustable Lens, the first step is to have your cataract safely removed and the adjustable IOL implanted. The cataract removal and IOL implantation procedure are the same as if you selected a standard (non-adjustable) IOL.
Now for the unique part! After your eye heals, you return to your eye doctor to have your vision tested during a routine eye exam. Based on this exam, you and your eye doctor will select a custom prescription for your adjustable lens based on your own eyes and unique lifestyle requirements.
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the only IOL that enables you and Dr. Hamilton to design, trial, and customize your vision after cataract surgery.
Adjustability takes cataract surgery to the next level by giving you a lens customized specifically for your eyes.
In an FDA study of 600 subjects, those who received the LAL were twice as likely (as those who received a standard monofocal IOL) to achieve 20/20 vision without glasses.
The Light Adjustable Lens is made of a special photo-sensitive material that changes the power of your implanted lens in response to UV light, increasing the likelihood that you will achieve your desired vision after cataract surgery.
If you select the Light Adjustable Lens, the first step is to have your cataract safely removed and the adjustable IOL implanted.
The cataract removal and IOL implantation procedure are the same as if you selected a standard (non-adjustable) IOL.
Now for the unique part! After your eye heals, you return to your eye doctor to have your vision tested during a routine eye exam.
Based on this exam, you and your eye doctor will select a custom prescription for your adjustable lens based on your own eyes and unique lifestyle requirements.
Ready to see the world more clearly?
Ready to see the world more clearly?
How are Cataracts Treated?
The only treatment for cataracts is to remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. This lens is called an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract removal surgery is the most common procedure in the world and is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today.
Cataract surgery can also offer the opportunity to correct other visual problems you may experience such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (irregularly shaped lens), or presbyopia (diminishing ability to focus with age.
Light Treatments
To receive the light treatment, you will be placed in front of the Light Delivery Device, which will non-invasively deliver the UV light to your Light Adjustable Lens.
Between 2 and 4 total light treatments, each lasting approximately 90 seconds and separated by approximately 3 days are required. The total number of treatments is based on your satisfaction with the vision achieved. For the first time ever, you can have confidence that your result will be just how you want to see the world.
UV Light Sensitive Lenses after Cataract Surgery
The sun is the primary natural source of UV light, and artificial sources of UV light are safely used in many medical and ophthalmic treatments. However, as exposure to indoor and outdoor sources of UV light can cause uncontrolled changes to the Light Adjustable Lens– you will be provided with UV protective glasses to wear during all waking hours when outdoors (from time of lens implantation until after the last light treatment is completed).
24 hours after the final light treatment, no further changes can be made to the implanted LAL, and you can remove the UV protective glasses and enjoy your custom vision.
Light Treatment Schedule
Light Treatment Schedule
A minimum of 2 light treatments—each lasting approximately 90 seconds and separated by approximately 3 days—are required. The total number of light treatments is based on achievement of the desired vision outcome that you and your doctor selected.
Once you have achieved your final optimal vision, the lens power is permanently locked in with a final light treatment to prevent any further changes.
Who Can Benefit?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device for patients with pre-existing astigmatism of 0.75 diopters or more who are undergoing cataract surgery.
Another type of intraocular lens implant is called a Multifocal IOL. Dr. Hamilton will make a recommendation as to whether the LAL or Multifocal IOL is the best option for your unique situation and will review why he is making the recommendation.
Important Safety Information
Important Safety Information
Approved use: The Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device (LDD) system is approved for patients who have a cataract and need surgery for it, have corneal astigmatism (at least 0.75 diopters) before surgery, and do not have preexisting macular disease.
Who should not receive this treatment? The Light Adjustable Lens and LDD system should not be used if you are taking medications that may increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light; if you are taking a medication that is considered harmful to your retina; if you have a history of herpes eye infection or uncontrollable eye movements (nystagmus); or if you are unable to comply with your doctor’s schedule of LDD light treatments and instructions for wearing special UV-protective glasses for several weeks following cataract surgery.
What warnings should I be aware of? Preexisting macular disease and certain eye conditions may increase the risk of complications. Your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens. If you have any complications during your cataract surgery before the Light Adjustable Lens is implanted, you may need to have another intraocular lens (IOL) implanted instead of the Light Adjustable Lens.
What precautions should I be aware of? The safety and effectiveness of the Light Adjustable Lens and LDD have not been established in patients with certain preexisting eye conditions or in patients who experience certain complications during cataract surgery. You should discuss these issues with your doctor. Following surgery, you must wear the special UV-protective glasses during all waking hours for about 4 to 5 weeks and comply with your doctor’s schedule of LDD light treatments. Failure to wear the UV-protective glasses can result in an unpredicted vision change or loss of vision quality after exposure to UV light, such as from sunlight. This may require a second surgery to remove the Light Adjustable Lens from your eye and replace it with another IOL.
What are the potential risks? As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with cataract surgery and IOL implantation. Please discuss these risks with your doctor. Potential risks associated with LDD light treatments include mild alterations to color perceptions; temporary scratchiness, irritation, or dryness to the front part of your eye; and activation of a previously undiagnosed herpes eye infection. Longer lasting and serious adverse events related to the UV light exposure are possible, but rare. There is a small chance that your vision could be made worse or that you may require additional surgery as a result of a complication.
Refractive Lens Exchange Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA
Frequently asked questions
What is a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?
A Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is an innovative intraocular lens (IOL) used in cataract surgery that can be adjusted post-operatively using a special light treatment to fine-tune vision.
How does the Light Adjustable Lens work?
The LAL contains a photosensitive material that can be altered with a specific UV light wavelength after surgery. This allows ophthalmologists to make precise adjustments to correct any residual refractive errors.
Who is a candidate for a Light Adjustable Lens?
Candidates for LAL are typically individuals undergoing cataract surgery who desire optimal vision correction without the need for glasses or contacts. A thorough assessment by an eye care professional determines suitability.
Is the Light Adjustable Lens safe?
Yes, the Light Adjustable Lens is considered safe and has been approved by regulatory authorities for use in cataract surgery. The light treatment used to adjust the lens is non-invasive and well-tolerated.
How long does it take to adjust the Light Adjustable Lens?
The adjustment process typically takes several sessions of exposure to UV light over a few weeks. Each session is brief and painless, allowing gradual optimization of vision.
What are the benefits of a Light Adjustable Lens?
The Light Adjustable Lens offers several benefits, including customizable vision correction, reduced dependence on glasses or contacts, and the ability to fine-tune vision outcomes to achieve optimal results post-surgery.