Dr. Lee’s practice is one of a select few in the country that is implanting the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). This intraocular lens is the first one that can have its power customized postoperatively to reduce astigmatism and to adjust for better far or near vision.
The LAL is designed to improve how well you see without eyeglasses compared to a standard single focus lens implant. In addition to being adjustable, it provides most patients with additional depth of focus, meaning it gives better range of vision than the basic single focus lens.
This lens may be particularly advantageous for patients with a history of refractive surgery such as LASIK, PRK, or radial keratotomy (RK). The LAL is also a good choice for monovision, using one eye for distance and the other for near. Many other patients, including those with unusual eye dimensions, also might want to take advantage of being able to try different lens powers postoperatively.
Unlike other intraocular lenses, it is important to wear the provided protective glasses postoperatively to cover your eyes 100% of the time for several weeks. Most patients will have four adjustments beginning 2-3 weeks postoperatively.
Even the LAL cannot guarantee the elimination of glasses for all patients. The results may be variable for patients with irregular corneas or significant dry eye. Also, the vision may independently remain limited by other eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. Certain patients are not good candidates for the LAL, such as those with a history of herpes eye infections. You can read more about the LAL at this website. Like other special lens implants, health insurance does not cover the cost of the LAL.