RxSight Premium IOL
Light Adjustable Lens™
The only lens that can be customized after cataract surgery — fine-tune your vision to match your lifestyle before locking it in for good.
See How It Works
What Is the Light Adjustable Lens?
If you are facing cataract surgery, you probably have one big question: "How well will I see afterward?" With every other lens implant on the market, your surgeon measures your eye before surgery, runs those numbers through a formula, and selects a lens from a pre-made set. The process is advanced, but it is still a prediction — your eye has to heal, the lens has to settle into place, and only then does anyone know whether the prediction was right.
The Light Adjustable Lens by RxSight changes that entire approach. It is the first and only FDA-approved lens implant that your surgeon can adjust after cataract surgery. Instead of locking in a prescription on the day of surgery, the LAL lets you and your surgeon work together to fine-tune your vision once your eye has healed.
Think of it as a test drive for your vision: you go home, live your life — driving, reading, working on your computer — and then come back to dial it in with Dr. Reing or Dr. Feng until it feels right.
Since receiving FDA approval in November 2017, more than 300,000 Light Adjustable Lenses have been implanted. Over 25 percent of cataract surgeons in the United States now offer this technology, with over 1,134 Light Delivery Devices installed in practices across the country. A growing number of ophthalmologists have even chosen the Light Adjustable Lens for their own cataract surgery — a striking vote of confidence from the people who know lens technology best.
What Is a Cataract and Why Does It Need Surgery?
A cataract forms when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This usually happens gradually with age. Over time, cataracts can cause blurry vision, faded colors, difficulty seeing at night, glare, halos around lights, and more frequent changes to your glasses prescription.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures in medicine. During the operation, your surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL. The surgery itself typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, is performed as an outpatient procedure, and most people notice a significant improvement in vision within days.
The choice of IOL is where things get interesting — because the lens you choose affects how well you see for the rest of your life.
Why Standard Lenses Can Miss the Mark
Before cataract surgery, your surgeon takes detailed measurements of your eye — corneal shape, eye length, lens thickness, and more. These measurements are used to calculate the power of the lens you will receive. The goal is to give you the clearest possible vision, ideally without glasses for distance.
The problem is that these measurements are estimates. Every eye heals a little differently after surgery. The lens may settle into a slightly different position than expected. Small changes in the shape of your cornea can shift the outcome. As a result, even with the best technology and the most experienced surgeon, a standard lens can end up slightly off target. When that happens — even by a small amount — you may need glasses, a laser touch-up, or even a lens exchange to get the vision you were hoping for.
The Light Adjustable Lens removes much of this uncertainty. Because adjustments happen after the eye has healed, the decisions that matter most are made at a time when your surgeon can see how your eye actually responded to surgery — not before, when the outcome is still unknown.
How It Works
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Reing or Dr. Feng performs advanced corneal mapping, precise biometry measurements, and has a thorough conversation about your lifestyle and vision goals to determine whether the LAL is the best fit for your specific needs. From there, the process follows three stages.
Cataract Surgery & Lens Implantation
Dr. Reing or Dr. Feng removes your cataract and places the Light Adjustable Lens through a small incision. The surgery itself is the same safe, routine outpatient procedure used with any other lens — typically about 15 to 20 minutes. You receive numbing eye drops and a mild sedative and go home the same day.
Try Your Vision & Adjust
Over the next several weeks you live with your new vision. Then, through one to three painless 90-second UV light treatments, your doctor uses the Light Delivery Device to reshape the lens based on how you see in daily life. You share real-world feedback — how driving feels, how you see your phone — and your surgeon uses it to guide each adjustment.
Lock In Your Best Vision
Once you and your doctor are satisfied, two final lock-in treatments permanently set the prescription by exposing the entire lens to UV light. Your optimized vision is set for life — published research confirms stability for up to seven years with essentially no change in prescription over time.
Is the Light Adjustable Lens Right for You?
The best candidate for the LAL is not just someone whose eyes meet the medical criteria — it is someone whose personality and lifestyle match what the technology requires. In fact, research shows that 44 percent of patients who chose the LAL would have otherwise received a basic standard lens — often because the unpredictability of their eyes made other premium options too risky. The LAL gives these patients a pathway to a premium outcome with much greater confidence.
You may be an especially good fit if:
- You've had prior LASIK, PRK, or radial keratotomy — the LAL sidesteps the measurement challenges prior corneal surgery creates because the final prescription is set after surgery, not before
- You have astigmatism — the LAL corrects astigmatism after the lens has settled into its final position, avoiding problems with toric lens rotation
- You want to try blended or monovision before committing — test drive the balance between your eyes and fine-tune it to the exact level you find comfortable
- You have high expectations and want maximum control over your visual outcome and are willing to invest the time and effort to achieve it
- You feel anxious about unpredictable outcomes — the ability to adjust your vision after healing can provide meaningful peace of mind
- You prefer the lowest possible risk of halos and glare — the LAL is built on a monofocal platform
- You are not a good candidate for multifocal lenses — the LAL offers a path to reducing glasses dependence without the halo and glare risk
- You have mild, stable, well-controlled glaucoma — because the LAL does not split light, it preserves contrast sensitivity, making it a reasonable option (your surgeon will evaluate your specific situation carefully)
- You're comfortable with 3 to 5 extra office visits over 6 to 10 weeks for light treatments
- You're willing to wear UV-protective glasses during all waking hours throughout the adjustment period (three styles are provided)
Who Should Consider a Different Lens
The Light Adjustable Lens is not right for everyone. Your surgeon will evaluate you carefully, but the following conditions generally rule out candidacy:
- Certain medications that increase UV sensitivity, including tetracycline, doxycycline, amiodarone, hydroxychloroquine, and tamoxifen
- Pre-existing macular disease, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema
- A history of ocular herpes simplex virus
- Eye movement conditions like nystagmus that prevent holding a steady gaze during treatment
- Pupils that do not dilate to at least 6 millimeters
- An inability or unwillingness to commit to wearing the UV-protective glasses and attending follow-up appointments
Dr. Reing and Dr. Feng will discuss these factors and all of your options during your consultation.
Proven Results, Backed by Clinical Data
In the FDA clinical trial of 600 patients, those who received the LAL consistently outperformed patients with standard lenses across every measure of visual accuracy.
more likely to achieve 20/20 vision without glasses vs. standard lenses
of patients achieved their target prescription within half a diopter
of post-LASIK patients achieved 20/20 uncorrected vision with LAL
each painless light treatment takes about 90 seconds
What Vision Goals Can You Achieve?
One of the greatest advantages of the Light Adjustable Lens is flexibility in what you can aim for — and the ability to try before you commit.
Distance-Focused Vision
The most common choice. The goal is clear distance vision for driving, watching television, and seeing faces across a room. Most patients who choose this approach still use reading glasses for close-up tasks.
Blended Vision (Mini-Monovision)
One eye is adjusted slightly more for distance and the other for near tasks like reading menus or checking your phone. Over 96 percent of patients who chose blended vision achieved binocular 20/20 distance plus J2 near reading without glasses.
Try Before You Commit
With any other lens, you commit on surgery day and hope it works. With the LAL, you experience different focal points during the adjustment period and make decisions based on real-world results. Not comfortable with monovision? Your surgeon adjusts to a different target before locking in.
Realistic Glasses Expectations
The LAL gives you the best odds of clear distance vision without glasses among single-focus lenses. However, most patients will still want reading glasses for very small print or extended close-up work. Many consider this a very acceptable compromise for consistently clear, disturbance-free vision at all other distances. Your surgeon will give you honest expectations based on your specific eyes.
Your Adjustment Journey, Step by Step
Here's what to expect at each stage — from your first consultation through your final lock-in.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
The full process from surgery to final lock-in typically takes six to eight weeks, though in some cases — particularly complex ones or situations where a common procedure called a YAG capsulotomy is needed — the timeline may extend a bit longer. Plan for about three to five light treatment appointments total (adjustments plus the two lock-ins), in addition to your regular post-operative check-ups.
Good to Know
The Light Adjustable Lens requires a slightly longer post-operative timeline than other premium lenses. Here's what to expect:
You'll visit our office 3 to 5 times over approximately 6 to 10 weeks for light treatments and your final lock-in. During this period, you'll wear UV-protective glasses during all waking hours — indoors and outdoors — to keep the lens stable between adjustments. We provide three styles for your convenience.
Each light treatment takes about 90 seconds and is completely painless — you simply look at a small light while the device reshapes your lens. Afterward, you return to your normal activities right away.
Consistent UV protection is critical. Because the lens is made of light-sensitive material, uncontrolled UV exposure — even light coming through a window — could cause unpredictable changes. In a worst-case scenario of significant unprotected exposure, a second surgery to replace the lens might be needed. The glasses keep the lens safe so your surgeon maintains full control over every adjustment.
If you'd prefer fewer visits and no adjustment period, a different premium lens option may be a better fit. Our surgeons will help you weigh the options during your consultation.
How the LAL Compares to Other Premium Lenses
There are several premium lens options available today, and each one makes different trade-offs. Start with what matters most to you.
If your top priority is fine-tuning vision after surgery
The Light Adjustable Lens is the only lens that offers this. No other lens can be adjusted once it is placed in your eye.
If you had LASIK, PRK, or RK and want precision
The LAL is often the strongest choice because it compensates for the challenges prior corneal surgery creates.
If you never want to wear glasses at any distance
A multifocal or trifocal lens like PanOptix or a newer extended-depth-of-focus lens like TECNIS Odyssey may be a better fit. These lenses provide vision at near, intermediate, and far all at once.
If you drive at night and worry about glare
The LAL or the Vivity extended-depth-of-focus lens are strong options. Both minimize halos and glare compared to multifocal lenses.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Safety Profile
The Light Adjustable Lens was evaluated in the same thorough 600-patient FDA clinical trial and has been studied in many additional research studies covering hundreds of patients. Overall, the safety data shows that the LAL carries no significant increase in complications compared to standard cataract surgery.
Erythropsia (Temporary Reddish Tint)
The most common side effect is a mild reddish tint to vision immediately after a light treatment. About 58 percent of patients in the FDA trial noticed this effect right after treatment, but it faded quickly. By six months, fewer than 1 percent still experienced it.
Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)
Reported at a rate of 0.7 percent in the FDA trial, consistent with rates seen in standard cataract surgery with any lens.
Post-LASIK Safety
In the largest published study of post-LASIK patients, no sight-threatening complications were reported.
Long-Term Safety
The seven-year follow-up study confirmed no late-onset complications. Once the lock-in is complete, the LAL becomes a permanent, stable implant designed to last a lifetime.
As with any surgical procedure, individual results can vary. Dr. Reing and Dr. Feng will discuss the potential risks and benefits specific to your situation during your consultation.
Cost and Insurance
Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the basic cost of cataract surgery with a standard monofocal lens. The Light Adjustable Lens is considered a premium upgrade, which means there is an out-of-pocket cost above what insurance covers. This additional fee typically covers the specialized lens itself, the light adjustment treatments, and the extra follow-up visits required.
Our team will provide clear, transparent pricing during your consultation so there are no surprises.
When thinking about whether the investment is worth it, consider what the LAL offers: the highest level of precision available in a cataract lens, the ability to fine-tune your result after surgery, and — for patients with prior refractive surgery or challenging eyes — a way to avoid the cost and inconvenience of corrective procedures down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from patients considering the Light Adjustable Lens.
A standard monofocal lens corrects your vision at one distance — usually far — so you'll still need glasses for reading and computer work. Premium lenses like the LAL use advanced technology to deliver more precise results and can reduce your need for glasses. The LAL's unique advantage is that your prescription can be adjusted after surgery, giving you the best chance of hitting your exact vision goal.
No. Your eye is numbed with anesthetic drops before each treatment. You sit in a chair and look at a small light while the device sends a programmed UV light pattern to your lens. Each treatment takes about 90 seconds, and you can return to your normal activities right away. The full office visit, including dilation and alignment, typically takes about 30 minutes.
Some patients notice a temporary mild reddish tint to their vision immediately after treatment. This is a known effect called erythropsia that typically fades quickly. Your surgeon will let you know what to watch for.
Because the LAL is made from a light-sensitive material, uncontrolled UV exposure could change the lens before your doctor is ready to make adjustments. The UV glasses keep the lens stable between office visits so that every change is precise and intentional. You'll wear them during all waking hours until your final lock-in treatment is complete. We provide three styles so you can pick what's most comfortable for your daily routine.
Yes. Until the lens is locked in, any ultraviolet light can change it in ways that were not planned. UV light passes through windows and is present in many indoor environments. The glasses protect the lens and help ensure your surgeon has full control over the adjustments.
Put them on as soon as you remember, note how long you were without them, and contact your surgeon's office. They can evaluate whether any unintended changes occurred and adjust the treatment plan if needed. The situation is manageable, but consistent wear is essential for the best outcome.
This is one of the LAL's biggest advantages. If you are not satisfied after an adjustment, your doctor can refine your vision further before locking it in. You have up to three adjustment sessions to get it right. This try-and-refine approach is exactly why the LAL achieves a level of accuracy that no fixed lens can match.
The LAL provides excellent distance and intermediate vision for most patients. Many people find they can do most daily activities without glasses. However, most patients will still want reading glasses for very small print or extended close-up work. Some patients choose a blended vision strategy to further reduce dependence on readers. Dr. Reing and Dr. Feng will help you decide what approach best fits your lifestyle.
While trifocal lenses aim to provide vision at all distances, they achieve this by splitting light — which frequently causes halos, starbursts, and glare, particularly at night. The LAL prioritizes the quality and clarity of your vision. Many patients decide that occasionally reaching for simple reading glasses is a worthwhile trade-off for consistently sharp, disturbance-free vision the rest of the time.
Yes. Once the lock-in treatments are completed, the shape and prescription of the lens are permanently set. Published studies have confirmed stability for up to seven years with no late-onset complications and essentially no change in prescription over time.
Plan for about three to five light treatment appointments over six to eight weeks after surgery. Each visit takes about 30 minutes. This is more than what is required with other premium lenses, but the payoff is the most precise result available.
Once locked in, the lens prescription is permanent and stable. However, a condition called posterior capsule opacification — a common, easily treatable cloudiness behind the lens — can develop over time, just as it can with any IOL. A quick in-office laser procedure called a YAG capsulotomy clears this up in minutes.
Absolutely. One of the greatest strengths of the LAL is that you can test different visual strategies and experience how they work for you before anything is locked in. Your surgeon will help guide you toward the approach that best matches your lifestyle.
Yes — and in fact, the LAL is often an especially strong choice for patients with prior LASIK, PRK, or radial keratotomy. Previous refractive surgery can make standard lens power calculations less predictable, which means there's a higher chance of needing a correction afterward. Because the LAL can be adjusted after your eye heals, it accounts for that unpredictability and delivers highly accurate results.
They solve different problems. Multifocal lenses like PanOptix split light into multiple focus points to give you near, intermediate, and distance vision — but they come with a slightly higher chance of halos and glare. The LAL is built on a monofocal platform, so it provides exceptionally clear distance vision with minimal visual disturbances, plus the unique ability to customize your result after surgery. If precision and low risk of halos are your top priorities, the LAL is often the strongest option. Dr. Reing and Dr. Feng can help you decide which lens best fits your visual goals and lifestyle.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Going into your consultation with good questions can help you make the most informed decision. Consider asking:
Based on my eye measurements and health, am I a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens?
What vision goal makes the most sense for my lifestyle — distance-focused or blended vision?
How many follow-up visits should I plan for, and what does the schedule look like?
I have had LASIK (or PRK, or RK) — how does that affect the planning?
What should I realistically expect in terms of glasses use after surgery?
Which version — the original LAL or the LAL+ — would you recommend for my situation?
What are the costs, and do you offer financing?
Are there any medications I take or conditions I have that would make this lens a poor fit?
How does the Light Adjustable Lens compare to the other premium lenses you offer for someone with my goals?
Your LAL Surgeons at Advanced Eye Care
Dr. Charles S. Reing, M.D., F.A.A.O. is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist and Medical Director of Advanced Eye Care Center with over 30 years of experience in advanced cataract, corneal, and glaucoma care. A graduate of Cornell University and NYU School of Medicine, he is known for his precision and patient-centered approach.
Dr. Jing Jing Feng, M.D., F.A.A.O. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and general eye care. Patients consistently praise her skill, compassion, and ability to put them at ease before and after surgery.
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I normally don't write reviews, but I have been having such a hard time finding a good place with fair prices. Very pleased and will return again.
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This is the best office!! The staff is smart and professional. They made me feel very welcome. The doctor was amazing. I highly recommend this office.
A C
Highly recommend Dr. Reing. I don't have complicated vision issues but I'm always treated like a valuable patient. I'm somewhat difficult to fit for glasses but they have gotten it right the first time, every time.
Ron Stack
I recently visited Advanced Eye Care for the first time. The staff and physicians were kind and professional. I received excellent care and would highly recommend this group to others.
Melody P.
I saw Dr Garg for the first time. She is such a nice dr. She really cares and explained everything thoroughly about Macular degeneration which at this point I do not have. And again the support staff is very thorough and always make me feel comfortable! This is a well run medical office where the patient is #1! Thank you!
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Taking the Next Step
The Light Adjustable Lens represents a meaningful leap forward in cataract surgery. It offers something no other technology can: the ability to customize your vision after surgery, based on how your own eye actually heals and how you actually see in the real world. The result is a level of precision, personalization, and patient satisfaction that fixed lenses simply cannot match.
Choosing the Light Adjustable Lens is an active partnership. It asks for your time, your commitment to wearing the UV glasses, and a financial investment. In return, it delivers a highly predictable, finely tuned visual outcome designed to serve you for a lifetime.
The only way to know for certain whether the Light Adjustable Lens is the right choice for your eyes is through a comprehensive consultation and eye exam. We invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reing or Dr. Feng to discuss your personal history, your daily visual needs, and your goals. Together, we can determine if the Light Adjustable Lens is the key to unlocking your best possible vision.
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