Light Adjustable Lens

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The light adjustable lens (LAL) provides the unique capability of a novel intraocular lens material that can be adjusted noninvasively with ultraviolet (UV) light following cataract surgery. Residual refractive errors after modern cataract surgery may cause problems for many patients, requiring the use of spectacles or even further surgery to correct this problem. The LAL is composed of a specially-designed polymer structure with embedded macromers and light-sensitive molecules. Upon UV irradiation, the shape and refractive power of the lens can be changed. The lens has passed rigorous in vitro and in vivo animal studies for biocompatibility and ability to accurately be adjusted. Presently, clinical trials are underway in the United States; the lens is commercially available in Europe. Results have shown the lens to predictably correct up to 2 diopters (D) of myopic or hyperopic error and 1.75 D of astigmatism, holding the adjustment with up to 9 months of follow-up. Higher-order and multifocal patterns have successfully been applied to the LAL, although neither have been studied in clinical trials as of yet. Researchers continue to study the optics and visual outcomes for patients as well as look to more advanced technologies, such as adaptive optics, to combine with the LAL. This lens has shown great potential and will doubtlessly play a large role in the future of intraocular lenses.