The Germany Experience With The Light Adjustable Lens: Technology Adoption, Practice Management And Clinical Results

To describe adoption of the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) in a German private practice setting, patient selection process, changes to practice management, and present clinical results.

High-volume, private-practice in Germany.

Initial cases were eyes with no history of corneal refractive surgery. Standard preoperative examinations and biometry were performed. Phacoemulsification was followed by LAL implantation. Manifest refraction was measured at each postoperative visit and target refraction was determined based on each patient’s visual goals. Up to 3 adjustments were performed using the Light Delivery Device. Lock-in treatments were done when the patient achieved their visual goals.

A total of 21 eyes were implanted with the LAL. 13 eyes were targeted for distance vision and 8 eyes for near. 86% of all eyes were within ±0.5D of target refraction. 91% of all eyes had residual astigmatism ≤0.5D. 100% of distance eyes had UDVA 20/20 or better. Target refraction for the near eyes ranged from -0.5 to -1.25D. All nears eyes had a UNVA of J3 or better.

The LAL adjustments improved refractive and visual outcomes and is a viable solution to presbyopia mitigation using blended vision. Patient selection and counselling is important in adopting this technology into a practice. Certain changes to workflow and process may be required for efficient patient management.