Cataracts,Light Adjustable Lens,Refractive Lens Exchange,Vision Correction
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to blur, dim, or distort. They often develop with age, but people with strong prescriptions can be affected earlier. The only way to restore clarity once cataracts progress is through surgery.
A New Era in Cataract Surgery
At Sweeney Eye Associates, we offer the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) — the first and only lens that can be adjusted after surgery. With a series of painless light treatments, vision can be customized to each patient’s lifestyle and goals.For patients who have worn glasses or contacts their entire lives, the LAL offers something extraordinary: the chance to wake up and see clearly without correction.
Stacy’s Journey: From -14 Vision to Clear Sight
For Stacy Lewis, this technology was life-changing. She had lived with extreme nearsightedness for decades.
“I got my first pair of glasses when I was nine and my first pair of contacts when I was 14. I was wearing contacts for well over 40 years before.”
Her prescription was so strong that one eye measured over -13 and the other over -14. Cataracts made things even more difficult, and she knew it was time for surgery.
Watch the video below to learn how Stacy’s vision—and her quality of life—were transformed with the Light Adjustable Lens:
Life After Cataracts: Stacy’s Story With the Light Adjustable Lens
Life Without Glasses or Contacts
After receiving the Light Adjustable Lens, Stacy noticed the difference immediately.
“After I got the light adjustable lens, I obviously no longer had to wear contacts or glasses. I didn’t have to wear readers… it’s amazing how great my vision is.”
But after four decades of glasses and contacts, it took time for the reality to sink in.
“This first few weeks it was quite an adjustment and even to the point where at night I’d be like, oh, I need to go take my contacts out. Oh wait, no, I don’t… It took a little bit to get used to all of that.”
The Surgery Experience
Stacy’s surgeries were performed a week apart. She remembers going in for a follow-up after her first procedure.
“The tech said, can you see that letter? And I’m like, Nope. All I can see is the white square… Finally he got it big enough to where I’m like, okay, well there’s black on this screen. And they measured that at 2,800 at that point.”
Despite her vision challenges, the overall experience was easier than she expected.
“The surgeries were actually very easy. We were in, we were out. I was home laying on the couch.”
Stacy’s Recommendation
Today, Stacy enjoys a freedom she hadn’t experienced since childhood.
“Now I wake up in the morning and I don’t need anything.”
Her advice for others considering cataract surgery or lens replacement is clear:
“Whether it’s cataracts or don’t have cataracts, or if it’s just getting a lens replacement, I highly recommend it. It really does change your life. And Dr. Patrick Sweeney and all of the nurses and technicians, they’re fantastic.”
The Difference of the LAL
- Customizable outcomes: Vision is fine-tuned after surgery with light treatments.
- Freedom from correction: Many patients, like Stacy, no longer need glasses, contacts, or readers.
- Trusted results: Performed by experienced cataract surgeons using advanced technology.
Take the Next Step
Stacy’s journey shows just how transformative cataract surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens can be. If you’ve been struggling with blurry vision, glasses, or contacts, our team is here to help.
📚 Visit our Patient Learning Library to explore videos and FAQs.
📞 Schedule your cataract evaluation today with Dr. Patrick Sweeney or Dr. Vincent Venincasa.
