Patients undergoing cataract surgery now have the option of having Light Adjustable Lenses implanted.
Light Adjustable Lenses are a type of intraocular lens (IOL) made by RxSIGHT® that is the first and only lens available that offers customization after cataract surgery. The lenses are made of a special photosensitive material that changes the shape and power of the implanted lens in response to ultraviolet light. Two to three weeks after surgery, the doctor will perform a light treatment. The patient is then given 3 days to determine if the adjustment is suitable and can have up to 3 treatments before "locking" in on the final treatment. The "lock-in" process requires two treatments set three days apart.
The benefit of these lenses is they can improve vision without eyeglasses compared to a standard IOL. The downside is the cost with prices ranging from $4,000 - $7,000. The range in cost is determined by how many UV light treatments are needed as well as the technology used during the surgery.
