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Home   |  Our Services  |  Cataracts  |   Light Adjustable Lens

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  1. What is a Light Adjustable Lens?
  2. Who Can Benefit from a Light Adjustable Lens?
  3. The Light Adjustable Lens Procedure
  4. Schedule an Appointment
  5. Light Adjustable Lens FAQs

Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness, but cataract patients can now benefit from advanced technology that offers clear vision. One such option is Light Adjustable Lenses, a specialized type of intraocular lens that can be implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens damaged by cataracts. Kung Eye Center was the first practice in both New York and New Jersey to offer this option to cataract patients.

What is a Light Adjustable Lens?

A Light Adjustable Lens, or LAL, is an intraocular lens that can be adjusted by your ophthalmologist after cataract surgery. An LAL is made of photoreactive polymers, meaning that the prescription can be adjusted by your surgeon using a specialized UV light or a Light Delivery Device. This allows for changing prescriptions in your intraocular lenses after they have already been implanted. LALs have been shown to achieve clearer vision without requiring glasses compared to other types of intraocular lenses. The percentage of patients that can achieve 20/20 vision is nearly double that of basic monofocal implants.

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Testimonials from Real Patients

“Dr. Kung and staff get 5 stars. From the moment I made my appointment, to my last follow-up visit; I experienced nothing but excellence. Dr. Kung explains everything in detail, makes sure you understand and encourages questions. I had bilateral cataract surgery with results above my expectations. I no longer wear glasses.

“I’ve had cataract surgery for both my eyes by Dr. Kung. It was the most amazing experience I’ve had. Dr. Kung himself is an absolutely brilliant doctor and surgeon. His staff sets the example by which excellence can be measured. The facility is beautiful and spotless and I highly recommend using Kung Eye for any ophthalmology needs. Thank you.

“I recently had corrective lens surgery performed by Dr. Kung with amazing results. I no longer require glasses for reading or distance (driving, tv viewing etc.). Dr. Kung and his staff are consistently friendly, helpful and provided excellent care pre-, during and post-surgery...best care anywhere. I would definitely recommend the Kung Eye Center for the treatment of any ophthalmological disorder.

“Dr. Kung and Dr. Chen are wonderful. Coming from 40 years of excellent care from my prior ophthalmologist, who just retired, I had high expectations, and those have been met! The office is well-run, and all the staff have been kind and competent. Thank you!

“Dear Kung is an absolute genius! In my opinion he is the best cataract surgeon in NY city.

“State of The Art Facility and doctors. Exceeded my expectations. Extremely careful regarding Covid19....Everybody wearing masks, etc. Thank you

“I had cataract surgery with the light adjustable lens. Surgery went very well. Staff is very professional, friendly and courteous. Highly recommend.

“Kung Eye Center is great! Dr. Kung, his doctors, technicians, and office staff run the eye center with precision, efficiency, intelligence and most of all, with caring and empathy. All medical facilities and offices should be run as well as Kung Eye Center. I am now on the road to the best vision I can have. I highly recommend Dr Kung and the Eye Center. You will be very pleased!

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Who Can Benefit from a Light Adjustable Lens?

Light Adjustable Lenses are beneficial for patients who wish to have the highest quality of vision. It works especially well in patients that have previously had a vision correction surgery like LASIK, PRK, or RK but now require cataract surgery. It can also be useful for patients who are interested in blended  monovision and need cataract extraction or for those who want the most precise outcome after their cataract surgery. Typically, patients who undergo cataract surgery require reading glasses. Many LAL patients can see clearly without needing any types of glasses.

The Light Adjustable Lens Procedure

The LAL implant procedure typically occurs during cataract surgery. Cataracts cause the natural lens of the eye to become clouded and rigid, which results in blurry or darkened vision. This requires removal of the cloudy lenses, which are then replaced by artificial lenses—in this case, the LAL. After you have healed from surgery, your surgeon can adjust the LAL according to your prescription using a UV light or Light Delivery Device. For most patients, the eyes have sufficiently healed to begin adjusting the lenses after about two weeks. Typically, this is completed over the course of two to four treatment sessions, with each only taking about 90 seconds to complete. Many patients choose blended monovision with their LALs, which means that they will no longer require reading glasses. Following the treatment, your doctor will give you UV blocking glasses to promote healing and ensure the intended outcome.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about Light Adjustable Lenses and whether you might be a good candidate, schedule an appointment at Kung Eye Center. Call our New York office at (718) 948-8880 or our New Jersey office at (732) 257-4900. You may also contact us online to set up your first appointment.

Light Adjustable Lens FAQs

How does the Light Adjustable Lens work?

An ultraviolet light will be shined onto your eye after surgery in the doctors office. The lens will change shape based upon this

What are the advantages of the the Light Adjustable Lens?

Patients will see the clearest with the Light Adjustable Lens compared to any other implant because the prescription can be changed after surgery in the doctors office

Is it covered by my insurance?

Unfortunately it is not covered by insurance

What are the risks involved with the Light Adjustable Lens?

The major risk of this implant compared to other implants is that the lens can change shape on its own if patients do not wear the UV blocking glasses which are provided to the patient after surgery

Will I need glasses afterwards?

The Light Adjustable Lens is a monofocal lens so each individual eye can be tuned for distance vision or near vision. Many patients can decrease their dependency on glasses by having one eye tuned for distance vision and one eye tuned for near vision

How many adjustments will I need?

The adjustments are generally done 2-3 weeks after surgery. Each eye will need a minimum of 3 adjustments. The adjustments are done a minimum of 3 days apart.

How long will I need to wear the UV blocking glasses for after the Light Adjustable Lens?

You will have to wear the provided UV blocking glasses at all times except for sleeping or showering for approximately the first 2 months after surgery

How long will the Light Adjustable Lens last?

The Light Adjustable Lens will generally last you lifetime once it is implanted

How long do the light treatments last?

The light treatments generally take 40-120 seconds to complete

Are the light treatments painful?

No. There is no pain associated with the light treatment

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Resources for Our Patients

Please follow these links to information for new patients, financing options, and insurance plan participation. Please do not hesitate to call our Staten Island or New Jersey offices with any questions you may have.