Donnie Rhett Koonce is an ophthalmic technician with Charlotte Optometric Clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this capacity, Donnie Rhett Koonce performs tests to determine the presence of eye conditions such as glaucoma. Another condition that is especially present in older patients is cataracts, a clouding of the natural lens that results in blurred, dim vision.
Conventional cataract therapy involves implanting an artificial lens. Even though these lenses restore some visual acuity, many patients have to wear glasses or contacts to achieve 20/20 vision. It is difficult to predict whether this will be necessary - only about 60 percent of patients with cataracts do not require corrective lenses after lens replacement surgery.
The newly developed light adjustable lens (LAL) circumvents this problem. After implanting this new type of artificial lens, doctors can adjust its shape with a small ultraviolet (UV) light emitter so they can fine-tune it until the target visual acuity is reached. These adjustments can be made in the office. In most cases, four visits are necessary, although some patients require fewer.
Once near perfect vision is reached, the lens can be “locked in” to its final shape. Until the last modification is made, accidental exposure to UV light can undo the LAL’s benefits, so patients must wear special UV-blocking glasses outdoors during this time, as well as special glasses for indoor use.
Complicating the use of LALs is the cost. They are more expensive than conventional artificial lenses and are not covered by insurance, including PPOs and Medicare. However, in most cases they are expected to last a lifetime.
