Light Adjustable Lens a big step forward in vision correction

Now is one of the best times to be having cataract surgery. As baby boomers moved into the "senior" category, the technology for cataract surgery has moved and advanced with them. One of the latest exciting forms of technology is a replacement lens that allows the surgeon to adjust the power of the lens after it has been implanted into the eye. It's the Light Adjustable Lens™ from RxSight®.

This excellent procedure is one I can confirm works wonderfully because I've seen it in our patients. As an optometrist who specializes in pre- and postoperative care at WK Eye Institute, I am a certified adjuster of the Light Adjustable Lens™. I have seen the exceptional visual outcomes our patients continue to receive – and the excitement our patients have with the results. In fact, most of them don't require glasses or contact lenses, just a pair of stylish sunglasses. Even better, they have the unique opportunity to improve their vision even further.

The technology utilizes a unique material that changes shape when exposed to UV light. After the initial healing period, patients return to the office for an adjustment procedure. Using a special device, Dr. Christopher Shelby, Dr. Wyche Coleman or I will shine UV light onto the implanted lens, causing it to change shape. When that happens, we can modify the lens power to give each patient more precise vision. After each adjustment, each patient can "test drive" this custom setting before we make any additional adjustments. Eventually, when the patient is fully satisfied, we lock in the power of the implant.

In my opinion, the Light Adjustable Lens not only gives our patients more freedom from eyewear than traditional lens implants can offer, it also provides them the assurance that they won't need any additional surgery to make adjustments in their vision. And no more of those little glasses needed to read tiny type!

The Light Adjustable Lens is a safe and effective option for cataract surgery patients and has been approved by the FDA since 2017. Clinical studies and our patients' results have shown the same great outcomes, so we are delighted to offer this option to patients. While Medicare doesn't cover this advanced technology, patients generally consider it a great investment.

Consultation for the Light Adjustable Lens is available in Shreveport at our North, South and Pierremont locations and at our Coushatta office. Patients can call either location for a consultation or to learn more about this procedure.

Stephen Lewis, O.D., a partner at WK Eye Institute, is located at the North office inside the Willis-Knighton Eye Institute. Dr. Lewis and his partners are part of the Willis-Knighton Physician Network.