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What is the Light Adjustable Lens
The Light Adjustable Lens is probably the greatest leap forward in lens implant technology since the first implant was used
almost exactly 60 years ago. It is simply the most technologically advanced implant available today with the capacity to be
altered after surgery to give the best vision possible for each individual eye without glasses.
Before having cataract surgery or clear lens extraction measurements are taken of the eye called biometry. From these your
surgeon decides what strength of implant to choose to give the best vision. Despite the most accurate biometry available
almost every patient is still left with a degree of residual glasses prescription or astigmatism. It is for this reason after cataract
surgery that to achieve the best vision possible glasses are required.
The Light Adjustable Lens is a major breakthrough because it is the only lens whose strength can be adjusted to your
individual needs AFTER it has been inserted into your eye. This allows any residual glasses prescription to be eliminated giving
you the sharpest vision that is possible.
The idea of a lens which could be altered after implantation was conceived by a Nobel Prize winning scientist in the USA 10
years ago. The difference lies in the fact that unique materials called Macromers are incorporated into the lens which are
sensitive to light of a specific wavelength. These undergo a change on being exposed to this specific wavelength of light
controlled by a computer which results in a very controlled and accurate change in the strength of the implant.
The change is so accurate that there is potential to even carry out Wavefront adjustments to possibly give better than 20/20
vision or improve contrast sensitivity or reduce glare. It is even possible to make multifocal or bifocal adjustments to give
greater independence from glasses or customised blended vision.
The Light Adjustable Lens is probably the greatest leap forward in lens implant technology since the first implant was used
almost exactly 60 years ago. It is simply the most technologically advanced implant available today with the capacity to be
altered after surgery to give the best vision possible for each individual eye without glasses.
Before having cataract surgery or clear lens extraction measurements are taken of the eye called biometry. From these your
surgeon decides what strength of implant to choose to give the best vision. Despite the most accurate biometry available
almost every patient is still left with a degree of residual glasses prescription or astigmatism. It is for this reason after cataract
surgery that to achieve the best vision possible glasses are required.
The Light Adjustable Lens is a major breakthrough because it is the only lens whose strength can be adjusted to your
individual needs AFTER it has been inserted into your eye. This allows any residual glasses prescription to be eliminated giving
you the sharpest vision that is possible.
The idea of a lens which could be altered after implantation was conceived by a Nobel Prize winning scientist in the USA 10
years ago. The difference lies in the fact that unique materials called Macromers are incorporated into the lens which are
sensitive to light of a specific wavelength. These undergo a change on being exposed to this specific wavelength of light
controlled by a computer which results in a very controlled and accurate change in the strength of the implant.
The change is so accurate that there is potential to even carry out Wavefront adjustments to possibly give better than 20/20
vision or improve contrast sensitivity or reduce glare. It is even possible to make multifocal or bifocal adjustments to give
greater independence from glasses or customised blended vision.
Why the Light Adjustable Lens may be right for you
Do you have difficulty reading or seeing things close up?
Do you have difficulty seeing while driving?
Does your glasses prescription change frequently?
Do you wear bifocal or varifocal glasses?
Do your glasses get in the way of your daily activities?
Have you had previous laser eye surgery and now have any of the above?
Have you been told that you have a cataract?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of the above, you may have presbyopia or cataracts or both. This also means that your
vision is affecting your lifestyle and you may be a candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens.
Do you have difficulty reading or seeing things close up?
Do you have difficulty seeing while driving?
Does your glasses prescription change frequently?
Do you wear bifocal or varifocal glasses?
Do your glasses get in the way of your daily activities?
Have you had previous laser eye surgery and now have any of the above?
Have you been told that you have a cataract?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of the above, you may have presbyopia or cataracts or both. This also means that your
vision is affecting your lifestyle and you may be a candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens.
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of the light adjustable lens?
The light adjustable lens is the only lens used in cataract or clear lens extraction surgery that can be adjusted after it is
implanted in your eye. This allows your surgeon to change the lens power precisely to correct for long sight, short sight and
astigmatism to give you the best vision that is possible. It also eliminates the need for additional invasive procedures such as
LASIK surgery. As the digital adjustment is so precise it is even possible to perform Wavefront treatments to the lens to
give even sharper vision. All the adjustment is carried out by a computer controlled low intensity beam of light thus
eliminating all the risks and complications associated with surgery.
Will it correct my reading vision?
Just as the light adjustable lens can be used to perfect your distance vision, it can also be used to give you good reading
vision. Your surgeon will discuss with you the many options that exist for doing so. These include blended micro-monovision
as can be achieved with laser eye surgery or bifocal/varifocal vision similar to that achieved by multifocal implants to correct
for presbyopia. Unlike all other surgical techniques available for correcting reading vision the light adjustable lens can be
adjusted more than once without surgery to give the optimal result for your individual eye.
How long does the lens last?
The lens last forever. It never needs to be removed or replaced. The adjustments of the lens power are also permanent and
after they have been made to optimize your vision, the lens will never again need readjustment.
Can any eye surgeon give me the light adjustable lens?
No. Only expert cataract surgeons who have the approved equipment and are specially trained in the insertion and
adjustment of the Calhoun Vision light adjustable lens can offer it to their patients. Mr Qureshi at the London Eye Hospital
performed the first Light Adjustable Lens implants in the UK and is currently the only Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon able to
offer this surgery.
What are the risks?
As with any surgical procedure there are risks and the results cannot be guaranteed. The risks are very similar to cataract
surgery or clear lens extraction. During the adjustment phase some patients experience transient fluctuating vision for about
24 hours.
What are the advantages of the light adjustable lens?
The light adjustable lens is the only lens used in cataract or clear lens extraction surgery that can be adjusted after it is
implanted in your eye. This allows your surgeon to change the lens power precisely to correct for long sight, short sight and
astigmatism to give you the best vision that is possible. It also eliminates the need for additional invasive procedures such as
LASIK surgery. As the digital adjustment is so precise it is even possible to perform Wavefront treatments to the lens to
give even sharper vision. All the adjustment is carried out by a computer controlled low intensity beam of light thus
eliminating all the risks and complications associated with surgery.
Will it correct my reading vision?
Just as the light adjustable lens can be used to perfect your distance vision, it can also be used to give you good reading
vision. Your surgeon will discuss with you the many options that exist for doing so. These include blended micro-monovision
as can be achieved with laser eye surgery or bifocal/varifocal vision similar to that achieved by multifocal implants to correct
for presbyopia. Unlike all other surgical techniques available for correcting reading vision the light adjustable lens can be
adjusted more than once without surgery to give the optimal result for your individual eye.
How long does the lens last?
The lens last forever. It never needs to be removed or replaced. The adjustments of the lens power are also permanent and
after they have been made to optimize your vision, the lens will never again need readjustment.
Can any eye surgeon give me the light adjustable lens?
No. Only expert cataract surgeons who have the approved equipment and are specially trained in the insertion and
adjustment of the Calhoun Vision light adjustable lens can offer it to their patients. Mr Qureshi at the London Eye Hospital
performed the first Light Adjustable Lens implants in the UK and is currently the only Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon able to
offer this surgery.
What are the risks?
As with any surgical procedure there are risks and the results cannot be guaranteed. The risks are very similar to cataract
surgery or clear lens extraction. During the adjustment phase some patients experience transient fluctuating vision for about
24 hours.
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