A Light Adjustable Lens may help address certain amounts of residual astigmatism after cataract surgery. Whether it can help you depends on your eye measurements, health, and treatment plan. An eye surgeon must assess your eyes before confirming if this lens is suitable.
Astigmatism is common. It can make vision look blurry or distorted at different distances. If you have astigmatism and are considering cataract surgery, you may wonder whether a Light Adjustable Lens can correct it.
The short answer is that it may help address some refractive error, including certain amounts of astigmatism, when clinically appropriate. It cannot correct every type or amount. The surgeon must measure your eye and discuss what may be possible.
Learn about the Light Adjustable Lens at Lumea and refractive cataract surgery options.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism happens when the cornea or lens has an uneven curve. Instead of focusing light evenly, the eye may focus it at more than one point. This can cause blurry or distorted vision.
Astigmatism may be present before cataract surgery. It can also remain after surgery if the eye’s final focus differs from the target. The type and amount of astigmatism matter when the surgeon plans treatment.
You may notice:
- Blurry vision at near or far distances.
- Distorted or stretched details.
- Difficulty focusing clearly.
- A need for glasses or contact lenses.
These symptoms can have other causes, too. An eye exam is needed to identify what is affecting your vision.
How might a Light Adjustable Lens help?
The Light Adjustable Lens is an artificial intraocular lens placed in the eye after the natural lens is removed during cataract surgery. After the eye heals, the lens power can be adjusted through light treatments.
In suitable cases, the adjustments may help refine certain remaining refractive errors, including some astigmatism. The goal is to refine the lens power using measurements taken after the eye has healed sufficiently for the adjustment process.
This does not mean the lens can correct every type or amount of astigmatism. The result depends on the eye and the treatment plan. Your surgeon will explain what can be considered after reviewing your measurements.
Is an adjustable lens the same as a toric lens?
No. Both may be discussed when a patient has astigmatism, but they are not the same approach.
A toric lens has a design that accounts for astigmatism during lens planning. The Light Adjustable Lens can be adjusted after surgery through a series of light treatments. Which approach is suitable depends on the person’s eye measurements and health.
Depending on the assessment findings, the discussion may include one or more lens approaches. The care team can explain how each option works, its follow-up requirements and the visual ranges it is intended to support. No single lens type is appropriate for every patient.
What can affect astigmatism treatment?
Many factors can affect whether a lens plan is suitable. The surgeon will consider:
- The amount and type of astigmatism.
- The shape of your cornea.
- Your overall eye health.
- The accuracy of available measurements.
- Any previous eye surgery.
- Your healing and follow-up needs.
- Your vision goals and comfort with glasses.
Other eye conditions may also affect the plan. Share your full eye history, including past LASIK or other procedures. If available, records from previous eye surgery or relevant eye examinations may be helpful during the assessment.
What happens after surgery?
With the Light Adjustable Lens, the process continues after surgery. Once the eye has had time to heal, you attend visits for light treatments. The lens may be adjusted based on the surgeon’s assessment and your vision.
You will need to follow the clinic’s instructions. These may include wearing UV-protective glasses until the lens is locked in. The exact number and timing of visits depend on your treatment plan.
Important topics to review during the assessment include:
- How many visits may be needed?
- How long should I plan for the adjustment process?
- What UV-protection steps must I follow?
- What activities can I do between appointments?
- What costs may apply?
Following the instructions is an important part of the process. Your care team will explain the schedule and answer questions.
Will I still need glasses?
Possibly. The goal may be to reduce certain refractive errors, but no lens can promise that you will never need glasses. You may still use them for reading, night driving, or other tasks.
Your surgeon can explain which distances a lens plan may support. Tell the team what you do each day, such as reading, using a computer, driving, or working outdoors. Clear goals help make the discussion more useful.
For background on the different lens types, read Lumea’s guide to intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery. The article can help you prepare questions, but it cannot replace an eye assessment.
Where can you ask about the Light Adjustable Lens?
Lumea provides Light Adjustable Lens information for its Ontario clinics:
- Light Adjustable Lens in Toronto
- Light Adjustable Lens consultations in Barrie
- Light Adjustable Lens care in Vaughan
Each location page can help you review local visit information. To ask about an assessment, contact the Lumea team.
Ask about your lens options
A consultation can help you understand your astigmatism, eye measurements, and possible lens plans. The surgeon can explain what the Light Adjustable Lens may address and what it may not.
Learn More About the Assessment
Frequently asked questions
Can the Light Adjustable Lens correct all astigmatism?
No. It may help address certain amounts of remaining astigmatism in suitable cases, but it cannot correct every type or amount. The surgeon must review your measurements and eye health before discussing what may be possible.
Is an adjustable lens the same as a toric lens?
No. A toric lens is designed to account for astigmatism during lens planning. A Light Adjustable Lens can be adjusted after surgery. The clinical team can explain how the approaches differ and which factors are considered when determining suitability.
Can astigmatism remain after cataract surgery?
Yes. Some astigmatism or other refractive error may remain after surgery. The chance and amount vary. Your surgeon can explain the plan for your eyes and discuss what options may be available.
How does the surgeon measure astigmatism?
The clinic uses eye measurements and an examination to assess the cornea and other parts of the eye. The exact tests depend on your needs. Ask the care team what measurements will be taken before surgery.
Will I still need glasses if my astigmatism is treated?
You may. Treatment can reduce some refractive error, but it cannot guarantee that you will never need glasses. Ask how your lens plan may affect distance, reading, and computer vision.
Does having LASIK change the astigmatism assessment?
Past LASIK can change the shape of the cornea and may affect later lens measurements. Tell your surgeon about previous laser eye surgery and bring old records if you have them. The team will decide which measurements are useful.
