The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is an innovative implant that allows customization after it’s inside your eye.

Unlike standard lenses (which have a fixed power once implanted), the LAL is made of a special photosensitive material. Several weeks after surgery, once your eye has healed, you can undergo painless ultraviolet light treatments that gently change the shape/power of that lens to fine-tune your vision. Essentially, it means if you were slightly off target or if you decide you want a bit more near vision, the doctor can adjust it without another surgery.

It’s the only FDA-approved lens that works this way – like having the ability to “dial in” your prescription after experiencing your new vision. Patients typically go through 2-3 adjustment sessions (each lasting a few minutes where you look at a UV light) and then a final “lock-in” light treatment to freeze the lens in that final state. This lens is especially useful for patients who’ve had prior refractive surgery like LASIK, PRK or RK or other situations where calculating the perfect lens power is tricky, or for those who want the absolute sharpest outcome possible.

The trade-offs: it requires between 3 to 5 more dilated office visits and you must diligently wear UV-blocking glasses between treatments to prevent unintended changes from sunlight. But the ability to customize vision to your preference post-op is a game-changer. It’s like ordering a custom suit, wearing it for a bit, and then having the tailor nip and tuck it for a perfect fit.