The incredible advancements in cataract surgery offer a lifeline of hope to countless individuals plagued by blurred or hazy vision. Cataracts, a condition characterized by the clouding of the natural lens in your eye, are one of the leading causes of vision impairment. However, due to the strides in technological advancements, cataract surgery is now safer and more effective than ever.
At Lang Family Eye Care, we’re passionate about staying on top of the latest developments in eyecare to provide our patients with the best possible care. That’s why our team is excited to introduce you to the revolutionary Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) as one of your post-cataract surgery treatment options. Read on to learn more about cataract surgery and how you may benefit from Light Adjustable Lenses.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are cloudy areas developing in the clear lens of the eye, which can lead to vision loss and disrupt everyday activities. The only definitive solution to this issue is cataract surgery.
Based on your case’s specifics, cataract removal can improve your quality of life significantly. It can help restore clarity in daily activities, such as reading, driving, or watching TV, often hindered by vision loss due to cataracts.
Preparing for cataract surgery involves various steps, including measurements taken by your doctor, the potential use of special eye drops, possible pausing of certain medications, and a strict cleanliness regimen. The surgery involves removing and replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure lasts approximately one hour and is generally painless.
Over the following weeks, your eye doctor will provide instructions on protecting and caring for your eye. Your Lang Family Eye Care provider may prescribe eye drops, encourage you to wear protective eyewear, and advise you to avoid certain activities like bending over or lifting heavy items.
It’s important to note that although 9 out of 10 people see better after cataract surgery, your vision might be blurry initially as your eye recovers. However, many people report that colors seem brighter, and once your eye is fully healed, a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses might be required to achieve your desired visual outcome.
Despite being one of the most common, safe, and effective surgeries in the United States, like any surgery, cataract surgery carries potential risks, such as swelling, bleeding, infections, or changes in eye pressure. Post-surgery, be vigilant about attending all check-ups at Lang Family Eye Care and reporting any changes or concerns to your eye doctor.
If you or a loved one has cataracts, don’t hesitate to discuss the potential benefits of cataract surgery with your Lang Family Eye Care eye doctor.
How Does a Light Adjustable Lens Work?
Cataract surgery can be a significant turning point in your life, where you can finally wave goodbye to glasses and contact lenses. The Light Adjustable Lens is the first and only lens with the ability to be customized after cataract surgery, giving patients the unique opportunity to test drive their vision and tailor their prescription to their lifestyle needs, much like glasses or contact lenses.
LAL is crafted from a unique photo-sensitive material that reacts to UV light and alters the power of your implanted lens. This distinctive property guarantees a higher chance for you to accomplish your desired vision post-cataract surgery. Your eye begins healing once your cataract is safely removed and the adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted.
After your eye has healed, you revisit your eye doctor at Lang Family Eye Care for a routine vision test. With the results of this test, you and your eye doctor can select a custom prescription for your adjustable lens, specifically tailored to your eyes and unique lifestyle needs.
The LAL procedure includes 2-4 light treatments using a non-invasive Light Delivery Device. Each treatment lasts approximately 90 seconds and is separated by 3-day intervals. You will be advised to wear UV protective glasses during all waking hours until the last light treatment is completed. Your implanted Light Adjustable Lens is unchangeable 24 hours after the final light treatment. Now, you no longer have to wear glasses and can fully enjoy your enhanced vision.
Benefits of Light Adjustable Lenses
At Lang Family Eye Care, we’ve seen how this innovative technology delivers superior visual results that benefit our patients’ daily lives. These advantages include:
Minimized Biometry Errors
In cataract surgeries, certain components can be tricky to navigate. However, utilizing LAL significantly curbs inaccuracies from biometry, power calculation, and post-implantation IOL movement. This innovation offers an ideal solution for mitigating potential errors, increasing the success rate of surgeries.
High Success in Achieving Target Vision
In a recent FDA study with 600 participants, those with the LAL were twice as likely to achieve 20/20 vision without glasses compared to those with a standard monofocal IOL.
Customization and Personalization
No two eyes are identical, and neither are their visual requirements. The intrinsic adjustability of the LAL allows eye professionals to specifically tailor lenses to fit the patient’s distinct needs and visual objectives. This, in turn, assures a highly personalized and efficient treatment plan, improving patient satisfaction.
Reduced Dependency on Eyewear
The high precision of LAL in vision correction often leads to a significantly reduced need for glasses or contact lenses following the final light treatment. This advantage facilitates patients with unencumbered vision, adding convenience to their day-to-day tasks.
Non-Invasive Adjustments
One of the standout features of LAL is the potential for non-invasive alterations of lens power following cataract surgery. With light treatments of around 90 seconds, the lens power can be fine-tuned to meet the patient’s unique vision needs. This means less patient discomfort and faster recovery times.
Safety Net With Room for Error
Finally, the LAL provides a safety net for possible post-surgical discrepancies in vision. Even after the lens has been implanted, adjustments can be made without requiring additional surgeries. This reassures many of our patients, knowing that there is room for error and that their vision can be fine-tuned even after the surgery.
Lang Family Eye Care is the Clear Choice for Light Adjustable Lenses
Are you seeking comprehensive, individualized post-cataract care in the Waukesha and Milwaukee area? Are you intrigued by leading-edge Light Adjustable Lens technology? Lang Family Eye Care is the name to trust.
We are dedicated to providing you with an unequaled experience in family eye care. Lang Family Eye Care prides itself on keeping up with all the latest advancements in eye health. We’re firm believers in the power of advanced instrumentation to provide the best course of treatment for every patient’s vision. From pediatric treatment and developmental care to Multifocal/Bifocal/Progressive Contact Lenses, Synergeyes Lenses for Keratoconus and other corneal diseases, we’re here for your entire family at every stage. We always aim to give you thorough, essential information about vision correction surgery based on your individual needs, helping you decide which type of vision correction is right for you.
By choosing Lang Family Eye Care, you’re opting for a relaxed, informative, successful experience. Our team is always available to answer your questions or address any concerns. Schedule a consultation with us today and take the decisive step towards a brighter, clearer future with the Light Adjustable Lens.
Share this article: