Intraocular Lens Options in Austin

Basic monofocal IOLs provide clear vision with the use of eyeglasses. Most individuals with basic lens implants will need bifocals and/or reading glasses to see optimally far and near.  We use basic monofocal IOLs with our basic cataract surgery package.

Astigmatism-correcting lens implants or laser cataract surgery can be used for patients to reduce or eliminate their astigmatism.  Astigmatism-correction surgery will enable you to see clearly far away without glasses. Most patients with astigmatism-correction will achieve clear vision far away and be able to drive safely without glasses.  Patients who choose the astigmatism-correction package will need reading glasses to see the computer and to read up-close.

Lastly, premium multifocal and extended depth of field IOLs are designed to provide the widest range of vision with minimal, if any, need for glasses or contact lenses to see clearly far or near.

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)

The light adjustable lens from RxSight is the first and only intraocular lens whose focus can be adjusted after it has been placed into the eye. When the LAL is adjusted after surgery, the performance of the lens can be adjusted, customized and optimized for each individuals’ visual needs.

The light adjustable lens is made of a special photosensitive material that can be adjusted by your eye doctor in the weeks following lens implantation through a series of non-invasive light treatments that take only a few minutes each. You will have the unique ability to test drive your vision until it meets your personal desires and lifestyle requirements. The Light Adjustable Lens delivers superior vision outcomes that fixed IOLs cannot match.

The LAL may be the preferred lens for individuals who:

1. Want clear vision far away without glasses or want “blended or monovision” where one eye sees clearly far (but not near) and the other eye sees mid/near (but not far).
2. Want to avoid a nighttime halo effect
3. Are willing and able to return for 3 to 5 additional follow-up visits that may extend for 2-3 months after surgery
4. Want the ability to test drive their new vision then adjust the focus of one or both eyes to optimize the way they see after the light adjustable lens has been initially placed into your eye(s)

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the advantages of the LAL over other premium lens implants?
   1. Clear vision at all distances – far/mid/near – with minimal use of glasses AND minimal to no nighttime halo when aiming for “blended vision or monovision.”
   2. Adjustability of the lens and your vision using a non-surgical light treatment after you have received the lens
   3. The ability to test drive your vision and customize your vision after you have received the lens using a non-surgical light treatment
2. The LAL works best when used in both eyes.
   1. Usually the dominant eye is set to see far and mid-range clearly
   2. Usually the non-dominant eye is set to see slightly less clear far away but clearly at mid-range and up-close (near)
3. What should I expect the first month after surgery to one eye using the LAL?
   1. Your far vision will be the clearest area of vision
   2. If you have significant astigmatism before receiving the LAL, your vision may be blurred from the astigmatism at all distances
   3. You should wear Rx Sight approved UV blocking glasses whenever you are outside until the LAL adjustments are complete and “locked-in.”
   4. Your postoperative visits will take place at one day and 3-4 weeks after you receive the LAL
   5. 3-4 weeks after receiving the LAL, your eye will have stabilized and healed which allows us to adjust the focus of the LAL using the light delivery device (LDD) in our office
   6. After the first LDD treatment, you will notice improved clarity in the eye with the LAL.  We will then recheck you one week later.
   7. The LAL can receive up to three (3) LDD treatments to adjust and fine-tune your vision.  After each LDD treatment, you will have the opportunity to test-drive your vision and determine if you like the visual outcome.
   8. Once you are satisfied with the visual outcome after the LDD treatments to the LAL, then we will need to apply two (2) “lock-in” LDD treatments to make the visual correction permanent.
   9. 24 hours after the final lock-in treatment, you no longer need to wear the Rx Sight approved UV-blocking glasses outside.
4. How soon should I have the 2^nd eye surgery to receive the LAL?
   1. The choice is yours.  Your options are to have the LAL in the 2^nd eye:
      1. On the same day as the 1^st eye
      2. 1-2 days or 1 week after the 1st eye
      3. More than one week after the 1^st eye
5. What is the final goal with the LAL in both eyes?
   1. Excellent vision far/mid and near with minimal to no use of glasses and with excellent night vision and minimal to no halos around lights at night.
6. Requirements for success with the Light adjustable lens:
   1. Wear Rx Sight approved UV blocking glasses outside during daytime hours until the final lock-in treatment
   2. Avoid tanning beds until the final lock-in treatment
7. For more information about the Light Adjustable Lens, please click here: Light Adjustable Lens information.

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The lens that is right for you will depend on your ocular health, your occupational needs and your lifestyle.

It is important that you consider your options thoroughly as you only have lens replacement or cataract surgery one time in your life and the decision you make will affect how you see for the rest of your life.