Who is a Good Candidate for a Light Adjustable Lens?

Cataracts are an unavoidable part of aging for many people. Modern technology has made these clouded lenses treatable by replacing them with artificial ones that let you see clearly again. However, cataract surgery has changed again with the introduction of light adjustable lenses. These lenses can be customized after they are placed in your eye for maximum vision correction that can last a lifetime. 

What is a Light Adjustable Lens?

Your natural lenses are clear, flexible structures found in a capsule just behind the colored part of your eye. When these lenses become clouded with cataracts, your eye surgeon can remove them and replace them with artificial ones. Unlike other lenses, light adjustable lenses can be adjusted to your unique prescription after being placed in your eye for the most precise fit. They can correct issues such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness, as well as cataracts. 

How Does a Light Adjustable Lens Work? 

Placing a light adjustable lens is the same as a typical cataract surgery. However, after ordinary cataract surgery, you would heal and return to your daily life with as much correction as you achieved. With the light adjustable lens, you will return for a vision scan that lets your eye surgeon determine your prescription. A series of two to four UV light treatments are applied to the lens while it is in place, causing small changes to the photosensitive material that change its shape. 

Who is a Good Candidate for a Light Adjustable Lens?

If you are scheduled for cataract surgery, light adjustable lenses may be a good option for you. These lenses can be used in place of standard replacement lenses for most cataract surgeries. You may be a good candidate for light adjustable lenses if:

• You have generally healthy eyes
• You have realistic expectations about your results
• You need replacement lenses due to cataracts or want them for vision correction
• You have a prescription that these lenses can correct
• You want more precise vision correction than you can achieve with standard lenses

Is There Any Downtime After a Light Adjustable Lens?

Placing your new lenses only requires a small incision, and many people can see better within 24 hours of their procedure. The most common effects after lens placement are blurriness, sensitivity, and irritation. You will receive eye drops to help your eyes heal, and most people return to their usual activities within a day or two. 

When you return after healing, you will have an eye exam, and your eye surgeon will apply UV light to the lenses for 90 seconds to alter the shape of the lens. This process is painless, and you can leave immediately afterward and return to your daily routine. You will usually have a few of these UV treatments to achieve your final results. 

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about light adjustable lenses, schedule a consultation with our Heart of Texas Eye Care team, serving Dripping Springs, Austin, Kyle, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, and other surrounding areas. Contact us at (512) 213-2220 today!

*Individual results may vary