Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. That said, surgeons have become efficient in their executions and subsequently faster and more proficient than ever before. With life being more on the go these days, finding the time to have cataract surgery performed and recover can be difficult. But just how long does the LAL adjustment process take? Let’s dive into the timeline and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What is LAL adjustment?
LAL, or light-adjustable lens cataract surgery, is not your typical cataract surgery. With traditional cataract surgery, the lenses are fixed, and no alterations can be made. On the other hand, LALs allow adjustments using a specialized light. This means that your vision can be customized to your needs, providing a clearer vision than ever.
How Long Does the LAL Adjustment Process Take?
From Prep to Post-Op
Prep: Before any surgery can be performed, it is typical to undergo several assessments, each taking around 1-2 hours before scheduling the surgery itself. Common assessments before scheduling cataract surgery include:
- Eye exams
- Measurements
- Discussions about results, the procedure, follow-up instructions, etc.
Surgery: The duration of the LAL adjustment process procedure typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes with four key steps.
- Anesthesia: It is necessary to numb the eye before surgery with local anesthesia.
- Lens removal: During lens removal, your surgeon will carefully remove the defective lens covering your eye.
- Insertion: Following lens removal, your surgeon will place the adjustable lens in your eye.
- Final checks: Before proceeding, your surgeon will ensure that everything is in place and that there are no complications.
Post-op: Once the surgeon has concluded the surgery, it is common for patients to spend at least 30 minutes in recovery to ensure there are no adverse effects from the procedure. During this time, you will also receive care instructions and advice on what to watch for in the following days.
Follow-up appointments: Cataract surgery is followed by a series of appointments, each lasting around 30 minutes. During these visits, your surgeon will perform vision checks, adjust your lenses using their specialized light, and assess for any issues.
Influencing Factors
You’ve discovered how long the process of LAL adjustment is, but every patient is unique, and some factors contribute to the time you will commit to the LAL adjustment process. Individual patient factors include but are not limited to:
- Eye Health
- Anatomy
- Underlying health conditions
Your surgeon is also an influencing factor in the duration of the LAL adjustment process. Like with most things, practice makes perfect. The more experienced your surgeon is, the more likely it is that the procedure will be performed smoothly and quickly.
What to Expect After Surgery
Don’t be surprised to find that your eyes are blurry, sensitive to light, and mildly uncomfortable. This is normal following this form of procedure. Over several weeks, you will notice an improvement in your vision, especially after any follow-up appointments where fine-tuning is involved. This “fine-tuning” phase of your recovery is vital to getting the best results. Expect a full recovery to take approximately 3-6 months. Be patient, follow any instructions provided to you by your medical team, and you will be on your way to clearer vision in no time.
Cataract surgery with light-adjustable lenses can be a time-consuming endeavor. Still, your healthcare team can help you understand the ins and outs and offer advice on how to optimize the healing process for the best possible outcomes.
Conclusion
There is light at the end of the tunnel, leading to clearer vision. If you are considering LASIK surgery in Orange County, consult with an eye specialist to discuss your options, the procedure, and any unique needs or expectations. Your doctor can help you determine the best solution for you and get you on the path to a brighter, clearer vision in no time.
Final Thoughts
While you may have stumbled upon this article in search of a better understanding of the timeline for cataract surgery, it may be beneficial to dig a little deeper. There is more than just time commitment that goes into cataract surgery. Things like insurance, authorizations, and legalities have to be finalized before any procedure can be performed. Talk to your medical team, do your research, and know your insurance policy to avoid any complications during this process.