How A Breakthrough Light Adjustable Lens Can Improve Your Post- Cataract Vision
Courtesy KEY-WHITMAN EYE CENTER
The Light Adjustable Lens by RXSight has a unique ability to allow post-operative cataract patients to test-drive and customize their vision to their individual lifestyles . You can find this revolutionary new option at the offices and surgery center of Key-Whitman Eye Center .
“ I ’ m excited about the Light Adjustable Lens because it gives our cataract patients the power to choose their own final vision ,” says Key-Whitman ’ s Chief Surgeon Dr . Jeffrey Whitman . That ’ s why he recommended it to his wife , Bonnie , when her cataracts were becoming an issue .
Bonnie knew it was time to take care of her cataracts when she started having trouble seeing to drive at night . Previously , she had enjoyed many years of great vision without glasses or contacts after she had Radial Keratotomy ( RK ) surgery in the 1990s . The RK treated her distance vision , but like LASIK , does not prevent the need for reading glasses later in life . Nor can it overcome the problem of cataracts . Bonnie missed having great vision without the need for glasses , so she chose the new Light Adjustable Lens for her cataract surgery .
What Should Cataract Patients Know About the Light Adjustable Lens Experience ? Patients will not notice any difference in the procedure . As in any cataract surgery , once the cataract is removed , it is replaced with an intraocular lens implant ( IOL ). In Bonnie ’ s case , Dr . Whitman inserted the Light Adjustable Lens during her cataract procedure .
Dr . Whitman likes to refer to the Light Adjustable Lens as the “ Magic Lens ” because the focusing power of the lens can be modified using a painless beam of specialized ultraviolet ( UV ) light . That ’ s where the post-cataract surgery experience is different for Light Adjustable Lens patients . Like Bonnie , these patients need to wear UV protection when outside until final adjustments are made . When Bonnie ’ s vision was completely stable and she was fully healed after surgery , Key-Whitman was able to fine-tune changes to her lenses . Once she was happy with her vision , her final adjustment was performed with the UV light — no need for more surgery . As a result , she can see without correction for all distances .
How Do You Know It Is Time For Cataract Surgery ? When you are young , the focusing lens inside the eye is flexible and
Bonnie and Dr . Whitman
clear . It could automatically adjust to see things at every distance , much like the lens on a camera . In your mid-40s , you begin to lose your ability to focus up-close and , eventually , it progresses until it becomes a cataract . That clear and flexible lens is now dense and cloudy . As it advances , the cataract gets thicker and turns from clear to yellow , then all the way to brown . That ’ s why people with cataracts can no longer see true colors . Also , bright lights can cause blinding glare when you have cataracts , which makes it hard for people to see well enough to drive , especially at night .
While most cataracts develop gradually and over time , certain medications , diabetes , or trauma to the eye can cause earlier onset of cataracts . If you notice that even with glasses that you can no longer see well enough to do the things you love to do , it ’ s time to see your eye doctor .
How To Choose Your Cataract Surgeon ? When selecting a surgeon to perform your cataract surgery , it is important to choose a board-certified eye surgeon , who is both highly experienced and can offer you a full range of lens options to enhance your vision .
The doctors at Key-Whitman offer you the best of both . They use only the most advanced equipment and techniques approved by the FDA , so you can feel confident about your procedure , no matter which option you choose . This is one reason Key-Whitman can offer advanced options like Light Adjustable Lenses , as well as other high-tech lenses to decrease your dependency on glasses or contacts . In fact , Key-Whitman is one of the few centers in Texas to offer this exciting technology .
In addition , Key-Whitman participates in many research clinical studies with the FDA . Leading providers of new technologies specifically request Key-Whitman because of their expertise and experience . This allows the practice to offer the latest options to patients .
Join the thousands of patients , who have chosen Key-Whitman to improve their vision . Patient surveys show that the doctors and staff at Key-Whitman are caring and responsive to questions . If you are noticing changes in your vision , don ’ t let cataracts stop you from enjoying your daily activities .
Call Key-Whitman to treat your cataracts and take care of all your eye health needs .
20 • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022