Light Adjustable Lens

What is Light Adjustable Lens?

The Light Adjustable Lens is the first and only intraocular lens (IOL) that can be customized after cataract surgery. It contains light-sensitive molecules that allow for precise vision adjustments using UV light treatments after implantation.

Why is Light Adjustable Lens performed?

The Light Adjustable Lens offers a highly personalized vision correction option. Unlike standard intraocular lenses, which have a fixed prescription, the Light Adjustable Lens can be adjusted after surgery, providing more precise and customized vision correction.

How do I know if I am a candidate for Light Adjustable Lens?

If you’re considering vision correction after cataract surgery, the Light Adjustable Lens may be an option for you.

You may be a candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens if any of the following apply to you:

• You have a cataract and need surgery
• You have corneal astigmatism before surgery
• You are a candidate for the standard monofocal lens
• You have had retina surgery or certain retina procedures

To determine if this lens is right for you, consult with an ophthalmologist to discuss your eye health and vision goals.

What can I expect before Light Adjustable Lens surgery?

Before the procedure, advancing imaging and measurements will be used to determine the best lens for your vision. Approximately one month after surgery, the lens can be adjusted based on refraction measurements, allowing for more precise vision correction and potentially reducing the need for glasses.

Preparation for surgery is similar to that of standard cataract procedures. Your care team will provide preoperative instructions, which may include pausing certain medications and fasting the night before surgery.

What can I expect during Light Adjustable Lens surgery?

The Light Adjustable Lens is implanted during cataract surgery.

The Light Adjustable Lens procedure involves:

1. Making a small incision in the cornea
2. Removing the clouded lens (cataract)
3. Replacing it with the Light Adjustable Lens

The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, though patients should expect to spend 2 to 3 hours at UT Health Austin’s Ambulatory Surgery Center. Anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable, and sutures are generally not required.

What can I expect after undergoing Light Adjustable Lens surgery?

After undergoing Light Adjustable Lens surgery, you will need to wear special protective glasses to prevent unintended UV exposure, which could affect the lens adjustments. These glasses must be worn at all times while you are awake.

Approximately one month after surgery, vision adjustments are made. Each adjustment takes approximately two minutes per eye and is completed over 3 to 5 treatment sessions.

During the first week of recovery from Light Adjustable Lens surgery, avoid:

• Getting water in your eyes
• Heavy lifting, bending over, or straining
• Rubbing your eyes

These precautions are standard for all cataract surgery patients to ensure proper healing.

Care Team Approach 

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. Your care team will include fellowship-trained ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, social workers, and more who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you. We also collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to identify new therapies to improve treatment outcomes. We are committed to communicating and coordinating your care with your other healthcare providers to ensure that we are providing you with comprehensive, whole-person care.

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