Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) in Maryland
Washington Eye Institute is proud to offer the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) at our Greenbelt, Rockville, and Cumberland, Maryland locations. The LAL is the only FDA-approved intraocular lens that can be customized after cataract surgery, giving patients and their surgeons the ability to fine-tune vision to each individual's unique needs. Dr. Michael Summerfield, M.D., Dr. Joseph Mekhail, M.D., and Dr. Sarah Chang, M.D. bring advanced training and extensive experience to every LAL procedure, helping patients achieve their best possible vision.
2×
More Likely to Achieve 20/20
92%
Within Target Refraction
FDA Phase 3 Pivotal Trial, 600 Participants
Could the Light Adjustable Lens Be Right for You?
Take our cataract self-assessment to learn whether your vision may benefit from the LAL.
LAL Candidacy Quiz & AssessmentLight Adjustable Lens Specialists
What Is the Light Adjustable Lens?
Washington Eye Institute is proud to offer the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) at our Greenbelt, Rockville, and Cumberland, Maryland locations. The LAL is the only FDA-approved intraocular lens that can be customized after cataract surgery, giving patients and their surgeons the ability to fine-tune vision to each individual's unique needs. Dr. Michael Summerfield, M.D., Dr. Joseph Mekhail, M.D., and Dr. Sarah Chang, M.D. bring advanced training and extensive experience to every LAL procedure, helping patients achieve their best possible vision.
The Light Adjustable Lens is a revolutionary intraocular lens made from a special photosensitive material that responds to ultraviolet (UV) light. Unlike traditional IOLs, which are permanently set at the time of surgery, the LAL can be adjusted after it has been implanted in the eye. This means your surgeon can optimize your lens prescription based on how your eye actually heals, rather than relying solely on preoperative measurements.
In FDA clinical trials, patients who received the Light Adjustable Lens were twice as likely to achieve 20/20 distance vision without glasses compared to those who received a standard monofocal IOL. This remarkable statistic reflects the precision that post-surgical customization makes possible.
Personalized Vision
The LAL is customized after surgery using UV light treatments to match your unique visual needs.
Proven Outcomes
FDA clinical trials showed LAL patients were twice as likely to achieve 20/20 vision without glasses.
Your Vision in Expert Hands
At Washington Eye Institute, Dr. Michael Summerfield brings extensive experience and board-certified expertise to every Light Adjustable Lens procedure. As practice owner and medical director, and Program Director of the Georgetown University/Washington Hospital Center Ophthalmology Residency, Dr. Summerfield is dedicated to helping each patient achieve their best possible vision through personalized care and advanced surgical techniques.
Residency Program Director
Advanced Cataract Surgery
Premium IOL Expertise
Board-Certified Surgeons
Georgetown Residency Director
Personally Involved
Cataract Surgery & Premium IOL Specialist
Light Adjustable Lens Specialist
Dr. Joseph Mekhail is a fellowship-trained cornea and refractive surgeon at Washington Eye Institute, having completed his subspecialty fellowship at the University of California. He brings specialized expertise in advanced cataract surgery and customizable intraocular lens technology. His meticulous approach to LAL procedures and post-operative light adjustments ensures patients receive precisely tailored vision correction.
Advanced LAL Training
Certified in Light Adjustable Lens implantation and UV light delivery procedures
Patient-Centered Approach
Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's lifestyle and vision goals
Precision Outcomes
Advanced diagnostic technology & post-surgical fine-tuning for optimal results
Extensive Experience
10+ years performing cataract surgery & premium lens implantation
Fellowship-Trained Cornea & Refractive Surgeon, LAL Specialist
Cataract Lens Options Explained
LAL Patient Story
Cataract & LAL Options
How LAL Works
Why Choose Us for Your LAL Procedure
Washington Eye Institute combines advanced technology, a fellowship-trained specialist, and personalized care for exceptional Light Adjustable Lens outcomes.
Comprehensive Eye Evaluation
Every LAL patient receives a thorough preoperative evaluation including advanced corneal mapping, biometry, and lifestyle assessment to determine the ideal lens power and treatment plan.
Customizable Vision Correction
Unlike traditional IOLs, the Light Adjustable Lens can be fine-tuned after surgery using brief, comfortable UV light treatments, allowing your surgeon to optimize your prescription based on how your eye actually heals.
Specialized Post-Operative Care
Our team provides attentive follow-up care throughout your LAL journey, including UV-protective eyewear, scheduled light treatments, and the final lock-in procedure to permanently set your optimal vision.
Is the Light Adjustable Lens Right for You?
Answer a few quick questions to find out if the LAL could help you achieve your best vision after cataract surgery.
Lens GuideTake A Quiz
Do You Have Cataracts?
Take our quick cataract self-assessment to determine if it may be time for a comprehensive eye evaluation.
Take the Cataract QuizIs the Light Adjustable Lens Right for Your Eyes?
The Light Adjustable Lens is an excellent option for patients who want the most precise vision correction possible after cataract surgery. Ideal candidates include those who desire reduced dependence on glasses, have astigmatism, or want the ability to fine-tune their vision after healing.
During your consultation at Washington Eye Institute, our surgeons will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether the LAL is the best lens option for your eyes and lifestyle goals.
The LAL is the only FDA-approved lens that lets you test-drive your vision and make adjustments before locking in your final prescription.
Say Goodbye
Advanced Cataract Treatments
Washington Eye Institute offers a full range of premium lens options and advanced cataract surgery technologies for personalized vision correction.
Light Adjustable Lens for Precision Vision
The Light Adjustable Lens is the only FDA-approved IOL that can be customized after cataract surgery. Made from a special photosensitive material, the LAL responds to controlled UV light delivered by the Light Delivery Device, allowing your surgeon to adjust your prescription after your eye has healed.
This post-surgical customization means your final vision is based on real-world results rather than preoperative estimates alone, delivering a level of precision that traditional lenses simply cannot match.
How the Light Adjustable Lens Works
Evaluation & Imaging
Your surgeon performs a thorough preoperative assessment including corneal mapping and biometry to plan your LAL procedure.
Protective Shielding
You wear special UV-protective glasses during all waking hours to shield the photosensitive lens while your eye heals.
Light Adjustment
Your surgeon uses the Light Delivery Device to apply controlled UV light, adjusting your lens prescription to your ideal vision.
Lock-In Treatment
Once your optimal vision is achieved, a final lock-in treatment permanently sets the lens prescription for lasting clarity.
Light Delivery Device (LDD) Treatment
The Light Delivery Device is used during your post-operative visits to apply precise doses of UV light to your Light Adjustable Lens. Each comfortable session takes only a few minutes and allows your surgeon to fine-tune your vision to your exact specifications.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
Our state-of-the-art imaging technology provides detailed measurements of your eye's unique anatomy, ensuring precise LAL power calculations and enabling your surgeon to track your progress throughout the adjustment process.
Cataract Warning Signs
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to schedule a comprehensive cataract evaluation at Washington Eye Institute.
Advanced Lens Technology
Washington Eye Institute uses the latest diagnostic and surgical technologies to deliver superior outcomes for LAL and cataract surgery patients.
Light Delivery Device (LDD)
Precision UV light system used to adjust your LAL prescription after surgery
ORA Intraoperative Aberrometry
Real-time measurements during surgery for enhanced lens power accuracy
Advanced IOL Options
Full range of premium lenses including toric, multifocal, and extended depth of focus IOLs
OCT & Corneal Topography
High-resolution imaging for detailed preoperative planning and post-surgical monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Light Adjustable Lens FDA approved?
Yes. The Light Adjustable Lens is the first and only FDA-approved IOL that can be customized after cataract surgery. It received FDA approval based on clinical trial data demonstrating superior visual outcomes compared to standard monofocal lenses. Washington Eye Institute offers the LAL as part of our comprehensive suite of premium lens options.
Does the UV light treatment hurt?
No. Most patients report that the light treatment sessions involve little to no discomfort. The procedure is non-invasive. You will sit comfortably at the Light Delivery Device while your surgeon applies a brief, controlled dose of UV light to the implanted lens. Each session typically lasts only a few minutes, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.
How long do I need to wear UV-protective glasses?
You will need to wear the special UV-protective glasses during all waking hours from the time of your cataract surgery until the final lock-in treatment is completed. This period usually spans approximately three to four weeks after surgery. The glasses are provided by Washington Eye Institute and are designed to be comfortable for daily wear.
Can the Light Adjustable Lens correct astigmatism?
Yes. The LAL can address astigmatism during the post-surgical light adjustment process. This makes it an appealing option for patients with astigmatism who want the added precision of a customizable lens. Your surgeon will evaluate the degree of your astigmatism during your preoperative consultation to determine the best treatment approach.
How many light treatments will I need?
Most patients require two to four light treatment sessions, followed by one final lock-in treatment. The exact number depends on how your eye responds to each adjustment and how closely your vision aligns with your target prescription after each session. Your surgeon will guide you through the process and keep you informed at every step.
Is the Light Adjustable Lens covered by insurance?
Standard cataract surgery and a basic monofocal IOL are typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Because the Light Adjustable Lens is classified as a premium lens, there is an additional out-of-pocket cost for the upgraded technology and the associated light treatment sessions. Our team at Washington Eye Institute will provide a detailed breakdown of costs and help you understand your financial options. Call us at 301.800.7490 to learn more.
Schedule Your LAL Consultation Today
Our team of cataract surgery specialists is ready to help you discover the benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens.