How the Light Adjustable Lens™ Works

By the time we reach our mid-60s, most of us will develop cataracts—clouding of the eye’s natural lens that may cause blurry, dull, and distorted vision.¹ If you’re preparing for cataract surgery and want to optimize your vision for your lifestyle, there’s an innovative option that gives you more control over your results: The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL®). It’s the only intraocular lens (IOL) that allows your prescription to be adjusted in the eye after surgery, giving qualified patients the opportunity to achieve customized vision.

What is the difference between a fixed lens and an adjustable lens?

Fixed IOLs require you to choose your prescription before surgery. Once implanted, they cannot be changed. The Light Adjustable Lens is the only adjustable IOL: it can be customized after surgery using UV light treatments, so your final prescription is based on how your eye actually healed rather than pre-surgical predictions.

How does the Light Adjustable Lens work?

The LAL uses a photosensitive material that changes shape when exposed to UV light. After cataract surgery, your doctor uses the Light Delivery Device™ (LDD™) to deliver precise UV light treatments that reshape the lens to your prescription. Each treatment takes approximately 90 seconds and is performed in your doctor’s office. A final lock-in treatment permanently stabilizes the prescription.

What to Expect After Surgery

About three weeks after surgery, you will return to your doctor’s office to begin the customization process with light treatments. During these visits, you’ll work with your doctor to decide what visual outcome is best suited for your lifestyle.

To protect your vision during the adjustment period, you’ll wear RxSight UV-protective glasses to help prevent unintended changes to your lens before final lock-in. You’ll receive three types of protective glasses—tinted, clear, and clear readers—for your comfort and convenience. Learn more about the RxSight UV-protective glasses and how they can help you here.

How does the Light Adjustable Lens implant and adjustability process work?

1. Surgery—Cataract removed and LAL implanted, same as standard procedure.
2. Healing—Eye heals over several weeks. Wear RxSight UV-protective glasses during this period.
3. Light treatments—You will receive between 1 and 3 light treatments, each lasting approximately 90 seconds and separated by at least 3 days. Continue wearing RxSight UV-protective glasses.
4. Lock-in—Once desired vision is achieved, 2 final light treatments permanently lock in the prescription. RxSight UV-protective glasses no longer required.

Can the Light Adjustable Lens correct astigmatism after surgery?

Yes. Addressing residual astigmatism that may remain after the eye has healed is one of the purposes of the LAL adjustment process. Because the lens prescription is finalized after surgery rather than before, the surgeon can account for cylinder correction based on actual post-healing measurements rather than preoperative predictions. Patients with astigmatism should discuss this with their surgeon.

A Long-Lasting Solution

The Light Adjustable Lens—like all IOLs—is intended to be a permanent replacement for your eye’s natural lens. It will not wear out or become cloudy over time and typically will not need to be replaced. After your final lock-in, your vision with the Light Adjustable Lens will be how you see for the rest of your life.

Your vision should reflect the way you live. With the Light Adjustable Lens, you’re not locked into a fixed outcome after surgery. Instead, you experience your vision and work with your doctor to customize it to fit your unique lifestyle and preferences.

Interested in learning if the Light Adjustable Lens is right for you? Find a provider near you to schedule a consultation.

1. National Eye Institute. At a glance: cataracts. Accessed April 4, 2025. http://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts