Cataracts,LASIK,Light Adjustable Lens
An Interview With Dr. Vincent Venincasa
Had LASIK or PRK Before? Is the Effect Wearing Off or Have You Developed a Cataract?
You’re not alone. Millions of people have benefited from LASIK, enjoying years of clear, glasses-free vision. However, like everyone, LASIK patients can eventually develop age-related cataracts, which affect vision over time.
When it comes to choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL) after LASIK, it’s important to consider a solution that accounts for your unique corneal shape. Basic IOLs are pre-set at the time of surgery, but Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL) offer a groundbreaking solution—allowing post-surgery adjustments to fine-tune vision for maximum clarity after cataract removal.
To explain why LAL is the best choice for post-LASIK patients undergoing cataract surgery, we spoke with Dr. Vince Venincasa, a board-certified ophthalmologist at Sweeney Eye Associates.
Why Is LAL the Best Choice for Cataract Surgery After LASIK?
🗣️ Dr. Venincasa:
“Patients who’ve had LASIK have uniquely shaped corneas, which makes predicting lens power more difficult with basic cataract implants. The Light Adjustable Lens eliminates this uncertainty by allowing us to adjust the prescription after surgery. This means patients can achieve a clear, customized vision solution, just like they had with LASIK.”
Top Benefits of LAL for Post-LASIK Cataract Surgery Patients:
✔️ Custom vision adjustments allow fine-tuning after surgery.
✔️ More accurate results for patients with LASIK, PRK, and RK.
✔️ Less dependence on glasses for both distance and near vision.
✔️ Reversible adjustments let patients modify their vision before finalizing.
💡 “Think of it as another chance to customize your vision,” says Dr. Venincasa.
How Does the Light Adjustment Process Work?
🔹 Step 1: Cataract surgery is performed with the LAL implant.
🔹 Step 2: After a 2–3 week healing period, light treatments begin.
🔹 Step 3: Over 1–3 sessions, vision is fine-tuned to the patient’s needs.
🔹 Step 4: Once the best vision is achieved, the lens is permanently “locked in.”
🗣️ Dr. Venincasa:
“One of the biggest advantages of LAL is that we can adjust the lens prescription post-surgery based on patient feedback. This isn’t possible with traditional lenses, which are set at the time of surgery.”
Does LAL Help With Both Near and Distance Vision?
🗣️ Dr. Venincasa:
“Yes! One of the standout features of LAL is that we can adjust for distance, intermediate, and near vision based on the patient’s preferences. Some patients want the sharpest possible distance vision, while others want better close-up clarity for reading. We can work with them to make those adjustments before finalizing their prescription.”
What Is Recovery Like?
🗣️ Dr. Venincasa:
“The recovery process is similar to traditional cataract surgery. Most patients can resume daily activities within a few days.”
🔹 The only key difference?
LAL patients must wear UV-protective glasses throughout the adjustment period to ensure no unintended light exposure alters their lens. Once we finalize the settings with the last treatment, normal glasses are no longer needed.
How Does LAL Compare to Other Premium Lenses?
Unlike traditional multifocal or extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses, which have fixed focus points, LAL offers post-surgery adjustments to get vision just right.
🗣️ Dr. Venincasa:
“With traditional lenses, patients must decide their vision preference before surgery, but LAL lets us adjust it afterward for better precision.”
How Much Does LAL Cost, and Is It Covered by Insurance?
🗣️ Dr. Venincasa:
“LAL is a premium lens upgrade, meaning it’s not typically covered by insurance. However, many patients find the investment worthwhile because of its superior vision correction. Financing options are available for those interested, and you may be able to use HSA funds as well.”
Will This Vision Wear Off Like LASIK?
🗣️ Dr. Venincasa:
“When you had LASIK, the natural lens was left inside your eye. When prescription changes over time, it changes because the lens of your eye becomes more rigid and discolored. Once that is removed and replaced with an LAL, the lens no longer will change, so the effect should be permanent.”
Final Thoughts: Why Choose LAL After LASIK?
🗣️ Dr. Venincasa:
“If you had LASIK in the past and are now facing cataract surgery, the Light Adjustable Lens is by far the best way to regain crisp, personalized vision. The ability to refine vision after surgery makes it superior to traditional lens implants.”
Interested in Light Adjustable Lenses?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Vince Venincasa at Sweeney Eye Associates today to see if LAL is right for you!
