Fixed vs. Adjustable Lenses: A Personalized Approach to Traditional Cataract Surgery
When considering cataract surgery at Eye Consultants of Savannah, selecting the right intraocular lens (IOL) is a critical decision. Traditionally, patients have had to choose their preferred visual outcome before surgery, selecting from fixed lenses that cannot be adjusted once implanted. However, advancements in technology now offer an alternative—the Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL®/LAL+®) by RxSight®—the only IOL that can be fine-tuned after surgery to achieve optimized vision for each patient’s unique lifestyle.
Understanding Fixed Lenses
Fixed lenses are pre-set intraocular lenses that remain unchanged once implanted. Before surgery, patients must decide whether they want to prioritize:
Distance Vision: Will require reading glasses for near tasks
Near Vision: Will require glasses for distance vision
Multifocal Vision: Can enhance both near and distance vision but may introduce visual compromises
Since these lenses cannot be modified after implantation without additional surgery, the final visual outcome is based entirely on preoperative measurements and estimations.
The Light Adjustable Lens: A Customizable Alternative
Unlike fixed lenses, the Light Adjustable Lens is the only IOL that allows for post-surgical customization. Patients no longer need to make all vision decisions before surgery. Instead, after the eye has healed, the lens can be non- invasively adjusted in the doctor’s office using controlled ultraviolet (UV) light treatments to fine-tune vision based on real-world experiences and personal preferences.
Key Advantages of the Light Adjustable Lens
Personalized Vision Correction: Adjustments are made after surgery to meet individual needs.
Greater Flexibility: Vision outcomes are based on real-world experience rather than pre-surgical estimates.
Precise Adjustments: Fine-tuning allows for truly custom vision.
The Light Adjustable Lens provides a tailored approach to vision correction, ensuring the best possible outcome for each patient’s lifestyle. If you are considering cataract surgery and want the most advanced, customizable lens technology available, contact Eye Consultants of Savannah to schedule a consultation and learn more.
