Treatment

Light Adjustable Lens / LAL

Also known as Light Adjustable Lens, LAL, RxSight Light Adjustable Lens, Adjustable Cataract Lens, Postoperative Adjustable Lens

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

The Light Adjustable Lens is a cataract lens implant that can be fine-tuned after surgery. It requires extra light-treatment visits after the eye heals.

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is implanted during cataract surgery like a standard lens. After healing, the surgeon adjusts its focus with controlled ultraviolet (UV) light treatments.

Clinical studies of the Light Adjustable Lens after cataract surgery show that postoperative light adjustment can improve refractive accuracy 1.

The tradeoff is time and discipline. Patients need several follow-up visits and must follow light-protection instructions until the final lock-in treatment 2.

How It Works

The Light Adjustable Lens contains material that changes shape when treated with a controlled UV light pattern. This lets the surgeon adjust focus after the eye heals.

Earlier clinical evaluation of the Calhoun Vision UV Light Adjustable Lens reported postoperative adjustment after cataract removal 3.

Who It Helps

The Light Adjustable Lens may be useful when exact lens power is harder to predict.

  • You want fine-tuning after surgery.
  • You can attend several visits after surgery.
  • You can follow light-protection instructions.
  • You have healthy retina and cornea function.
  • You had past laser vision correction and need careful targeting.

Second-generation Light Adjustable Lens outcomes have been reported in cataract patients with past laser vision correction 4.

Cost and Insurance

The Light Adjustable Lens is usually billed as a premium lens upgrade. Insurance often covers standard cataract surgery and a basic monofocal lens when medically needed.

The adjustable lens upgrade and related visits may be an out-of-pocket package. Ask for a written quote that explains surgery costs, lens upgrade costs, and light-treatment visits.

Common Questions About the Light Adjustable Lens

Its focus can be adjusted after surgery with controlled UV light. Standard lenses are not adjusted after implantation.

Next Steps

  1. 1Ask how many adjustment and lock-in visits your surgeon expects.
  2. 2Discuss your distance, computer, and reading targets.
  3. 3Review past laser vision correction or cornea surgery.
  4. 4Confirm you can follow light-protection instructions.
  5. 5Get a written estimate for the full adjustable lens package.

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