At Schwartz Laser Eye Center, we are excited to introduce the revolutionary Light Adjustable Lens+ (LAL+) technology, a game-changer in the field of vision correction. With LAL+, we offer personalized lens adjustments following cataract surgery, ensuring you achieve the highest quality of vision tailored to your lifestyle needs. Our practice is one of the first ophthalmology centers to offer LAL+ in the United States.
What is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?
The Light Adjustable Lens is a groundbreaking technology designed to optimize your vision after cataract surgery. Unlike traditional lenses, LAL allows for precision adjustments to your vision once the eye has healed. This means you can enjoy the best possible outcome, whether you’re aiming for distance vision, need to correct astigmatism, or wish to reduce your dependence on glasses for reading.
LAL+ is the next generation of LAL. It features a proprietary design that allows for even better depth of focus, which makes it even easier to achieve your ideal vision with this technology.
Benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens
- Personalized Vision Correction: LAL+ technology provides unmatched precision in adjusting your lens for the clearest vision possible.
- Flexibility: Adjustments can be made to cater to different visual needs, including near, intermediate, and distance vision.
- High Satisfaction: Patients enjoy a significantly higher rate of satisfaction with their vision quality post-adjustment. (Twice as many patients achieve 20/20 vision than with standard IOLs.)
- Reduces Need for Glasses: Many patients find that they rely less on glasses for day-to-day activities after receiving LAL.
The LAL Procedure: What to Expect
The LAL+ procedure is performed as part of cataract surgery, where the natural, clouded lens is replaced with the Light Adjustable Lens. After the eye heals, you will return to our center for the adjustment process, which is non-invasive and painless. Using precise UV light, we fine-tune your lens based on your visual preferences. This adjustment phase can be performed up to three times, ensuring your vision is optimized to your satisfaction.
LAL Recovery
Improvement in vision can take about a week and is different for everyone. Patients should remember to wear UV-blocking glasses for about one month post-surgery indoors and outdoors to prevent UV light exposure from accidentally altering your prescription before the results have been locked in. Once you have locked in your final settings, you will no longer need to wear these glasses.
Your Journey Towards Clear Vision Starts Here
At Schwartz Laser Eye Center, our ophthalmologists are committed to providing our patients with state-of-the-art treatments that enhance their quality of life. Our team, led by renowned Dr. Jay Schwartz, harnesses the power of LAL/LAL+ technology to offer personalized care that meets your unique vision needs. We are proud to be at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies that promise better outcomes for our patients in Scottsdale, Glendale, Phoenix, and Mesa.
Call 480-483-3937 or 1-888-553-3937 to contact Schwartz Laser Eye Center and schedule your consultation. Our friendly staff and expert team are here to guide you through every step of the process. Let us help you achieve the clear, precise vision you deserve with LAL. Welcome to the future of personalized eye care.
Light Adjustable Lens FAQs
Can the Light Adjustable Lens correct presbyopia?
LAL+ is designed to improve vision at multiple distances, including near, intermediate, and far. While presbyopia involves age-related loss of near vision, LAL+ can be adjusted postoperatively to help address visual needs typically associated with presbyopia. Your ophthalmologist at Schwartz Laser Eye Center will determine whether LAL+ is appropriate for your specific vision goals.
Will I still need glasses after LAL+ surgery?
LAL+ is intended to reduce your dependence on glasses. However, individual visual outcomes may vary based on ocular anatomy, pre-existing conditions, and the degree of refractive correction required. After the lens is adjusted and locked in, some patients may still benefit from glasses for certain activities.
Can the Light Adjustable Lens be removed or replaced later?
LAL+ is designed for permanent implantation following cataract removal. Although intraocular lenses may be removed or exchanged in rare cases, such procedures require careful consideration. If your visual needs change over time, your ophthalmologist at Schwartz Laser Eye Center in Scottsdale, Glendale, or Mesa, AZ, can provide guidance on appropriate management options.
How long does LAL+ last?
Once the adjustment period is complete and the lens is locked in, LAL+ remains stable in your eye. It is manufactured to remain in place indefinitely, functioning similarly to other permanent intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery.
Can I drive after receiving LAL+?
Our doctors typically recommend waiting at least 24 hours to drive after your procedure so that your eyes have time to heal and adjust. It is a good idea to arrange for transportation from your appointment so that you can get home safely. We will advise when it is appropriate to resume driving based on your specific postoperative progress and any visual requirements in your state of residence.
Do I need to limit screen time or lighting exposure after Light Adjustable Lens implantation?
Patients are typically advised to wear UV-blocking glasses at all times (including indoors) until the lens adjustment process is complete. Certain indoor lighting conditions may contain low levels of UV exposure, and these protective measures help prevent unintended lens changes before the final adjustments are locked in.
Can I upgrade to a Light Adjustable Lens if I already had cataract surgery with a standard lens?
LAL+ must be implanted at the time of cataract surgery. If you have already received a different intraocular lens, lens exchange may be possible in select cases. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine candidacy for any secondary procedures.
What if my vision changes years after receiving LAL+?
LAL+ is designed as a long-term vision correction solution. If vision changes occur later in life due to other ocular conditions, such as retinal changes or glaucoma, our knowledgeable eye doctors may recommend additional treatments or optical correction. The implanted lens remains structurally stable and does not require routine replacement.
How many light treatments are required to adjust the Light Adjustable Lens?
Most patients require two to three light treatments following lens implantation. These treatments are administered over several days to weeks, allowing for fine adjustments to optimize vision. The number and timing of sessions are determined based on the patient’s visual response and the surgeon’s clinical judgment.