At Tersigni Vision in Portland, we pride ourselves on bringing you the cutting edge of eye care technology, ensuring life-changing LASIK is within your reach. Dr. Steven Tersigni, our leading ophthalmologist, is deeply committed to adopting the newest advancements in refractive and cataract surgery. A prime example of this commitment is the revolutionary cataract surgery and custom lens replacement using the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). What sets this procedure apart is the ability for post-surgical adjustments to your vision. Even better? The fine-tuning doesn’t involve any additional surgery – just a simple exposure to a specialized ultraviolet (UV) light.
The Light Adjustable Lens, an innovation developed right here in the United States, promises unparalleled accuracy and tailoring in visual correction. This intraocular lens (IOL) is crafted from an exclusive silicone material that alters its shape when bathed in different configurations of ultraviolet light. Once the LAL is in place, patients undergo a set of non-invasive light treatments. During these sessions, the implanted lens is exposed to a precise quantum of UV light, refining its refraction and focusing power. The brilliance of the LAL lies in the fact that the lens power is adjustable even after the surgery, guiding patients closer to impeccable vision, thus minimizing dependence on prescription glasses, reading glasses, or contact lenses.
For the residents of Portland and surrounding areas, Tersigni Vision stands as the beacon of hope, offering state-of-the-art vision correction procedures.
Benefits of the LAL Procedure
- Precision: One of the standout features of the Light Adjustable Lens procedure is its exceptional precision. Traditional intraocular lenses, once implanted, are fixed in terms of their refractive power. However, with the LAL, adjustments can be made post-operatively by your surgeon. This dynamic capability ensures that vision correction is tailored to the patient’s unique needs and is more accurate than with standard intraocular lenses. This precision extends to addressing minor deviations that can occur during the recovery phase, ensuring optimal results for the patient.
- Flexibility: The human eye is complex and each individual’s healing process and response to surgery can vary. There may be shifts in lens positioning, or unexpected refractive outcomes after lens replacement procedures like RLE and cataract surgery. The LAL shines in these scenarios. It offers unparalleled flexibility by allowing for post-operative modifications. Whether it’s to cater to the patient’s evolving visual needs or to rectify unforeseen refractive errors, the ability to adjust the lens power ensures that the treatment remains adaptive and patient-centric.
- Reduced Dependence on Eyeglasses: A primary aim of any refractive surgery or corrective lens implant is to enhance visual acuity, ideally eliminating or reducing the need for corrective lenses. With the LAL’s adaptability and precision, patients have a heightened chance of achieving this goal. By being able to fine-tune the lens even after implantation, it optimizes the chances that patients can embrace a life with less dependence on glasses or contact lenses. This not only enhances their visual experience but also offers the freedom and convenience of a glasses-free lifestyle.
Light Adjustable Lens Portland: A Comprehensive Look
The miracle of sight, one of our primary senses, has always been a focal point of medicine. Advances in ophthalmology, the medical branch concerned with the eye, have been stellar, aiming to correct refractive errors and treat eye conditions such as presbyopia and cataracts. While glasses and contact lenses have been traditional solutions, the world of intraocular lens implants offers a more permanent and refined approach. And at the helm of this evolution is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL).
The Human Eye and Visual Perception
The human eye is a marvel of biological engineering. For us to see, light enters the eye through the cornea, passes through the natural lens, and lands on the retina. This results in visual perception. A refractive error occurs when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. This can result in near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Another common eye issue is cataracts, where the natural lens becomes clouded, impairing vision.
Enter the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its seal of approval to the LAL from RxSight, noting its safety and effectiveness. Crafted using a special photosensitive material, the lens has the unique ability to adjust in power and shape. This means that after lens replacement surgery, wherein the natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), there remains the potential for micro-adjustments.
Such adjustments can be crucial. No surgery, no matter how advanced, can guarantee perfect vision outcomes due to factors like lens positioning and healing responses, which can vary from patient to patient. Enter the Light Delivery Device (LDD), which emits calibrated UV light, enabling the physician to make lens power corrections post-surgery. This process can correct residual refractive errors, bringing the patient’s eye closer to the desired visual acuity.
After a series of non-invasive light treatments – generally two to four sessions – the lens power is locked in using a final lock-in treatment. The patient then enjoys enhanced visual clarity without a total reliance on corrective lenses.
The Tersigni Vision Experience
Life-changing LASIK isn’t our only forte. At Tersigni Vision, we believe in providing our patients with a comprehensive suite of vision solutions. We understand that every eye is unique, and so is its response to surgery. Hence, we offer lens options like the LAL to ensure that our patients don’t just see but see clearly.
Our commitment goes beyond just the procedure. Eye examination, patient education, eye drop regimens for post-operative care, handling potential risks, ensuring patient safety – our team is dedicated to each step. When you opt for a procedure at Tersigni Vision, you’re not just another patient; you’re family. Our team is ready and honored to guide you through your vision correction journey.
Sight is more than just a physiological function; it’s an experience. And in the bustling city of Portland, where every moment is a visual treat, Tersigni Vision promises to make that experience clearer, sharper, and more memorable. With advancements like the Light Adjustable Lens, we’re not just changing how you see the world but ensuring you see it in its finest detail.
So, if you or your family are looking to correct refractive errors or manage cataract procedures with unparalleled precision, our doors are always open. Life-changing vision is within your reach, and with the LAL, so is the dream of perfect vision. Come visit us at Tersigni Vision. We have the answers, the options, and a commitment to guide you every step of the way. You’ll see the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions about Light Adjustable Lens Portland
What exactly is a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?
A Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is an innovative intraocular lens implant, developed and manufactured by RxSight. It’s designed to be adjusted post-surgery using a specific ultraviolet light wavelength, offering patients the unique advantage of personalized vision correction.
What material is used to construct the Light Adjustable Lens?
The LAL is crafted from a specialized silicone material. This lens has a diameter of 6mm, with an optical zone measuring 5.5mm.
For whom is the Light Adjustable Lens recommended?
These artificial lens implants are predominantly used during cataract procedures. Additionally, they serve as custom lens replacements for addressing presbyopia (over-40 vision), myopia (near-sightedness), and hyperopia (far-sightedness).
Can you describe the LAL implantation process during surgery?
Dr. Tersigni, with expertise in ophthalmology and refractive surgery, inserts the LAL through a minimal incision in the cornea, employing an injector system. The lens is carefully folded to fit the small incision, and once it’s inside the eye, it naturally unfolds. Dr. Tersigni ensures it’s perfectly positioned for optimal results.
How does the adjustment process for the Light Adjustable Lens work?
The adjustment journey for LAL commences around a month post-implantation. Employing a state-of-the-art light delivery device, Dr. Tersigni exposes the lens to controlled UV light, tweaking its refractive power. Over the course of several sessions, patients witness consistent improvement in visual acuity. Once optimal vision is attained, a final “lock-in” procedure solidifies these changes.
What’s the adjustability range in dioptres for the LAL?
LAL boasts an impressive diopter range, offering adjustments from -2 to +2 of spherical power. It can also cater to cylinder adjustments from -0.5 to -3.0.
Has the FDA sanctioned the use of the Light Adjustable Lens?
Yes, after a comprehensive clinical trial, the LAL secured the Food and Drug Administration’s approval in 2020.
What’s the success rate of the LAL procedure?
“Success” in eye surgery can be defined in many different ways. The vast majority of qualified candidates for the LAL can expect to be independent from glasses after surgery and are extremely happy with their vision.
Is the Light Adjustable Lens procedure reversible?
No, the LAL implantation is a one-time, irreversible procedure.
What’s the cost for a Light Adjustable Lens in Portland?
The typical cost for lens replacement surgery with the LAL can range from $6,500 to $8,500 per eye depending on various factors.
Are there studies about the LAL’s long-term impact?
Research about the long-term effects of LAL is currently underway.
Which countries have given a green light for LAL usage?
The LAL is approved for use in regions including the USA, EU, Canada, and Australia.
Are there any conditions not suitable for LAL?
Individuals with conditions that may be exacerbated by prolonged UV light exposure should avoid LAL. Comprehensive eye exams will further ascertain any contraindications.
What’s the post-implantation follow-up routine for LAL?
After the LAL procedure, patients typically have follow-ups at intervals of 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and subsequent adjustments for around 6-8 weeks post op. The evaluations cover visual acuity, refraction, and intraocular pressure metrics.
Does the LAL offer UV protection?
Yes, the LAL is integrated with UV protection to safeguard the patient’s eye health.
How long does each LAL adjustment session last?
On average, an adjustment session is about 90 minutes. However, the actual adjustment is quick, taking roughly a minute for each eye.
What are the possible future applications for LAL?
Potential applications could expand to treat astigmatism and severe hyperopia.
Is there specialized training required to implant LAL?
Beyond the comprehensive credentials in ophthalmology and refractive surgery, additional training from RxSight®, the creators of LAL, is essential.
Is LAL suitable for all age groups, including children and the elderly?
LAL is not recommended for pediatric use but is a viable option for the elderly.
Who pioneered the Light Adjustable Lens?
RxSight®, a leading ophthalmic medical technology firm headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, is credited with introducing the groundbreaking adjustable intraocular lens, setting new standards in vision correction post-refractive lens exchange or cataract surgeries.
What is dry eye, and how does it relate to lens surgery?
Dry eye is a condition where the eye doesn’t produce sufficient tears or the right quality of tears. Lens surgery, such as the implantation of adjustable intraocular lenses, can sometimes exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and therefore it’s essential to consult eye doctors about pre-existing conditions before the procedure.
What are the benefits of light adjustable lenses (LAL)?
The light adjustable lens (LAL) provides a unique advantage, allowing adjustments post-surgery, ensuring a custom prescription tailored to each patient’s specific needs. These lenses also offer a solution for those with a clouded lens, often a result of developing cataracts.
How does pupil dilation affect the implantation of intraocular lenses?
Pupil dilation is a standard procedure that eye doctors use to get a better view of the eye’s internal structures, including the lens. Before implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) or any other type of lens, like the multifocal lens, pupil dilation helps in ensuring accurate placement and alignment.
What’s the difference between standard lens, multifocal lens, and light adjustable lens (LAL)?
A standard lens has a single focus point, suitable for distance or near vision. Multifocal lenses have multiple focus points, allowing for both near and distance vision. The light adjustable lens (LAL) is unique as it can be adjusted post-operatively to fine-tune vision, catering to individual lifestyle requirements.
Why might someone need to wear glasses or protective glasses post-surgery?
Post-surgery, especially after an intraocular implant, it’s common to recommend wearing UV protective glasses to shield the eyes from harmful UV rays and facilitate healing. Some patients might also need reading glasses until their vision adjusts fully or if they’ve had a specific type of lens implanted.
Do LAL patients have any specific post-operative care?
LAL patients, in particular, need to ensure they avoid certain UV exposures until the “final lock-in” procedure. This is to prevent premature adjustments to the lens. Regular check-ups with their doctor, using prescribed eye drops, and wearing glasses to protect against UV are essential.
What is the process of “final lock-in” for LAL?
The “final lock-in” is the procedure where the entire light adjustable lens is exposed to a particular light frequency, solidifying the adjustments made and preventing any further changes. This ensures the longevity and stability of the custom prescription.
How does farsightedness affect the type of intraocular lens chosen?
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a condition where distant objects are seen more clearly than nearby objects. Depending on its severity, a specific type of IOL might be recommended, which could be a multifocal lens or a tailored LAL.
Has the FDA approved the light adjustable lens?
Yes, the light adjustable lens received FDA approval in 2020 after extensive clinical trials, marking it as a safe and innovative solution for vision correction.
If I already wear glasses, can I still opt for an IOL implant?
Absolutely. Many who wear glasses opt for IOL implants, like the LAL, to reduce their dependence on glasses. It’s essential, however, to have a thorough examination and consultation with eye doctors to determine the best course of action.
Can an existing implanted lens be replaced with a LAL?
It’s technically possible to replace an existing implanted lens with a LAL, but the need and feasibility would be determined by specific patient conditions and the recommendation of the eye surgeon.
