Precision Vision Tailored to You
UT Health Austin’s Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute offers groundbreaking cataract surgery
Reviewed by: Eric Crowell, MD, MPH
Written by: Kaylee Fang
With over 3 million cataract surgeries performed annually in the United States, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures in the country. Despite its high success rate, many patients continue to rely on glasses or contact lenses to sharpen their vision after surgery. However, the Light Adjustable Lens offers a revolutionary solution—the first and only lens that can be adjusted inside the eye after cataract surgery.
“The Light Adjustable Lens is a monofocal lens that allows us to customize your vision approximately one month after implantation,” explains Eric Crowell, MD, MPH, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and the Clinical Director of UT Health Austin’s Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute. “In the clinic, we use a device to adjust the shape of the lens to fit your specific vision needs.”
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that replaces the clouded lens of the eye with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). “When the lens is implanted during cataract surgery, it replaces the old cataract with a new lens,” says Dr. Crowell. “The procedure involves making a small incision in the cornea to remove the cataract and replace it with the chosen IOL.”
UT Health Austin’s Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) offers a convenient and safe setting for outpatients undergoing cataract surgery. Equipped with the latest technology, including options for the Light Adjustable Lens, the ASC provides same-day surgical care and is staffed with experienced professionals to ensure a comfortable, efficient experience for patients.
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) come in a variety of types, each with distinct features and benefits. When considering vision correction, it’s crucial to understand the different lens options available.
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at one distance. “While these lenses are the most common, patients may still need glasses for tasks such as reading or using their phone,” shares Dr. Crowell.
Toric IOLs
Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, a condition in which the cornea is more oval-shaped, similar to that of a football, rather than a soccer ball. “These lenses focus light on the retina to improve clarity at a single distance,” explains Dr. Crowell.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal lenses offer vision at multiple distances by splitting light into various focus zones. “These lenses allow you to see up close and far away without additional eyewear, though there may be some trade-offs in sharpness,” notes Dr. Crowell.
Light Adjustable Lens
The Light Adjustable Lens is unique in its ability to be adjusted after implementation, offering the flexibility to optimize your vision needs. Unlike traditional lenses, this lens responds to UV light treatments, allowing for precise vision adjustments after surgery. Whether you choose a monofocal, toric, multifocal, or light-adjustable lens, discussing your options with an ophthalmologist can help you select the most suitable lens based on your eye health, lifestyle, and vision needs.
“Compared to traditional lenses, the Light Adjustable Lens can reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear in everyday activities,” adds Dr. Crowell. “It can also enhance contrast, color perception, and overall clarity, improving your quality of life. Whether you enjoy playing pickleball or swimming, the Light Adjustable Lens ensures that glasses won’t slip, fog, or get in your way, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite hobbies.”
Discover what to expect and find out if you’re a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens.
<br>Light Treatments
Most patients undergo between three and five UV light treatments after surgery, including two lock-in treatments approximately one month after surgery. “This flexibility allows you to ‘test-drive’ your vision and determine the number of treatments needed,” explains Dr. Crowell.
Most patients notice improvement within the first few days after surgery. “The true ‘wow’ moment usually comes after the first light treatment, with the most significant enhancement occurring approximately one month after the procedure,” adds Dr. Crowell. “The process relies on refraction, which determines how your vision adjusts and responds to treatment.”
Benefits of Light Adjustable Lens
The Light Adjustable Lens offers the ability to adjust your vision for up to a month after surgery. “After the initial surgery, we evaluate your vision through refractions,” shares Dr. Crowell. “You can request small tweaks, such as improving close-up vision in one eye and distance vision in the other, and we’ll make those adjustments accordingly.”
This flexibility ensures that patients can make final adjustments to their vision before locking in final results. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, this technology eliminates the need for additional surgery. “The process allows for adjustments through follow-up visits, rather than requiring a return to the operating room,” says Dr. Crowell.
For more information or to request an appointment with Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute, call 1-833-UT-Cares (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.