About the Light Adjustable Lens

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is an innovative intraocular lens (IOL) technology that enables post-operative fine-tuning of your prescription—a unique advantage over traditional lens implants. Whether it’s placed during cataract surgery—where the cloudy natural lens is removed—or during a refractive lens exchange, the LAL’s power can be precisely modified using a specialized light treatment. This “test drive” approach lets you adjust your vision to match your personal preferences, resulting in a highly customized outcome.

Traditional IOLs have fixed prescription strengths that cannot be changed once implanted. By contrast, the LAL can be altered after surgery, making it a game-changer for patients seeking maximum clarity and independence from glasses. At Trinidad Vision in San Antonio, we offer this next-generation intraocular lens to those who want a personalized approach to visual correction—particularly beneficial for patients undergoing cataract surgery who desire greater control over their final vision results.

When to Consider the Light Adjustable Lens in San Antonio, TX

Not every patient requires the advanced capabilities of the Light Adjustable Lens, but certain signs indicate you may benefit from this breakthrough technology. If you’ve been told you’re a candidate for standard lens implants—either for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange—yet desire more control over your final vision outcome, the LAL might be an excellent choice. It’s also worth exploring if you have a prescription prone to frequent changes or if you want the flexibility to assess your vision in real-world settings before locking in the lens power.

At Trinidad Vision, we conduct comprehensive eye evaluations to determine whether this adjustable lens aligns with your lifestyle, ocular health, and overall expectations. If you’re highly motivated to reduce your reliance on glasses or seek a tailored post-operative experience, be sure to mention your interest in the LAL during your consultation.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

Our Light Adjustable Lens Process

1 Comprehensive Assessment with Dr. Trinidad

To begin, Dr. Jake Trinidad and our surgical staff will conduct a detailed exam of your eyes. We’ll discuss your current vision challenges, daily activities, and what you hope to achieve through cataract or refractive lens surgery. This helps us confirm whether the LAL is your best match.

2 Customized Surgical Plan

Once we determine you’re a suitable candidate, we’ll outline a clear path for surgery, including pre-operative instructions and any necessary tests. You’ll also learn how the adjustment phase works, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

3 Lens Placement Procedure

On the day of surgery, we use topical numbing drops to keep you comfortable. Through a minor incision, we remove your eye’s natural lens—whether it’s clouded by cataracts or simply no longer meeting your vision needs—and implant the Light Adjustable Lens. This outpatient procedure generally takes under 30 minutes, after which you’ll spend a brief time in recovery.

4 Post-Operative Light Adjustments

A few weeks after your new lens has settled, you’ll return for a series of non-invasive light treatment sessions. During these visits, precise ultraviolet light is applied to the lens to fine-tune its prescription. You have the chance to evaluate your vision in between sessions, ensuring you arrive at the setting that feels just right. Once you’re satisfied, we “lock in” the lens power, providing long-lasting visual clarity.

Ready for a clearer future?

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Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

What to Expect from the Light Adjustable Lens

The Light Adjustable Lens offers a highly personalized vision-correction journey. You’ll notice initial improvements in your eyesight soon after surgery, but the key difference is the ability to adjust your lens power in the weeks that follow. This customization allows you to achieve an outcome that aligns with your unique preferences—whether you aim for crisp distance vision, better reading ability without glasses, or a balanced mix of both.

While the LAL significantly broadens your choices, every surgical procedure carries some risk. Our team mitigates potential complications by using proven methods, detailed planning, and careful follow-up. Recovery tends to be similar to other lens implant surgeries, with most patients resuming normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Dr. Jake Trinidad

Medical Director & Lead Surgeon
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Why Choose Trinidad Vision?

At Trinidad Vision, we believe the finest eye care involves not only the latest technologies but also a deeply personalized approach. Led by Dr. Jake Trinidad, our practice emphasizes patient education and tailor-made solutions, ensuring each individual receives the most appropriate care for their needs.‍

We understand that opting for something like the Light Adjustable Lens can feel like a big decision. Our goal is to provide transparent information, address all your concerns, and guide you from initial evaluation through final post-operative checks. We're proud to be a provider of light adjustable lens San Antonio trusts.

What Our Patients Are Saying

I’ve found the ophthalmologist that I was looking for!!

“This was the most comfortable Dr appointment I’ve ever had..  there was no waiting.. the machines for checking out your eyes were so easy..  and I was so happy to reunite with a first grade student that I had the pleasure of teaching .. Dr. Trinidad!!  What a sweet surprise..
His office has great technicians and the atmosphere was very welcoming !!  I’ve found the ophthalmologist that I was looking for !!"

five stars
Trudy A.
Dr Trinidad  and his staff are a great team.

“They are well organized. Office wait time has been very short, about 5 minutes each time I have visited!  Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision. I highly recommend  Dr Trinidad”

five stars
Keelin W.
Dr Trinidad is absolutely the best!

“I’m almost 86 years old been to a lot of ophthalmologists and he is without a doubt the most communicative, caring, brilliant, best kept secret in San Antonio! Highly recommend not doing anybody with him he has it all.”

five stars
Trudy A.
Very compassionate and professional and gave me peace of mind.

"My visit with Dr.Trinidad and his staff was for my annual Diabetic eye exam. It went extremely well, Dr Trinidad's staff made me feel very much at ease. After Dr. Trinidad examined my eye's.He took his time to explain his     findings and scheduled a followup.I would highly recommend Dr. Trinidad. He was very compassionate and professional and gave me peace of mind. Thank you so much to Dr. Trinidad and staff."

five stars
Joseph Luciano
They were helpful and knowledgeable.

"I had an excellent experience with Dr. Trinidad and his medical assistants and other employees... The Dr. and his staff was wonderful, and they were able to diagnose my problems effectively, providing me with the information and advice needed."

five stars
Grant H.
Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision

"Dr Trinidad  and his staff are a great team. They are well organized. Office wait time has been very short, about 5 minutes each time I have visited!  Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision. I highly recommend  Dr Trinidad"

five stars
Keelin W.
Absolutely the warmest Dr. Visit I had in awhile

"Absolutely the warmest Dr. Visit I had in awhile, the communication how Dr. Trinidad explained everything so detailed was very impressed. Honestly felt like I was talking to a childhood friend 👌. Nicole as a representative at the front was incredibly pleasant. They also had T. Ford, Versace, CHANEL and offer botox (I think)."

five stars
Donivon Y.
Above and beyond

"Everyone had patience, was understanding, and went above and beyond to calm my nerves through out my whole visit. Not only did Dr.Trinidad take his time  to make sure I understood what he was seeing/going on with my eyes but he truly does care and is passionate about his work. I definitely will be making him the person I go to for all my eye visits."

five stars
Kayla W.

Financing & Insurance

We know vision correction can be a significant investment, and we’re here to help make it more manageable. Trinidad Vision partners with numerous insurance providers, including VSP, to simplify claims where applicable. Since the Light Adjustable Lens may involve additional costs beyond standard lens implants, we also offer flexible financing programs tailored to individual budgets.

If you have questions regarding coverage or want to explore financing opportunities, our friendly office team is ready to assist. Don’t let financial concerns stand between you and clearer sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m a candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens?

Candidates generally include those undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange who desire post-operative control over their lens power. An eye exam will confirm if your overall eye health supports the LAL.

Is this procedure painful?

We use numbing drops during surgery, so discomfort is typically minimal. Some patients report slight dryness or irritation afterward, but these symptoms are usually brief and resolve with prescribed eye drops.

How long until I can see clearly?

Most individuals notice an improvement shortly after surgery. However, your final outcome is refined over multiple light adjustment sessions, ensuring you reach optimal visual clarity over several weeks.

Will I need glasses once the lens is locked in?

Many patients significantly reduce or eliminate their need for glasses, but factors like personal vision goals and any other eye conditions may influence your level of independence from corrective lenses.

Are Light Adjustable Lenses covered by insurance?

Standard cataract surgery is commonly covered by insurance, but the Light Adjustable Lens may incur additional out-of-pocket costs. Our staff will confirm benefits with your provider and discuss financing to help you plan for any expenses.

Can the Light Adjustable Lens be used during cataract surgery?

Yes. The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) was initially developed for cataract patients and can be implanted during cataract surgery as a direct replacement for your cloudy biological lens. Unlike traditional intraocular lenses, the LAL provides the unique advantage of post-operative adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune your prescription after your eye has healed. This added layer of personalization helps many patients achieve more precise vision with less reliance on glasses or contacts.

Do Light Adjustable Lenses negate the need for contact lenses?

For many patients, the Light Adjustable Lens significantly reduces—or even eliminates—the need for contact lenses or glasses by enabling post-operative prescription fine-tuning. However, the degree of independence from corrective eyewear varies from person to person. Factors such as your baseline prescription, overall eye health, and personal vision goals all play a role. While the LAL can greatly diminish reliance on contacts, some individuals may still opt to use them or reading glasses in specific situations.