The recovery process after receiving a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) through Refractive Lens Exchange is unique and requires specific care to protect your vision and ensure optimal results. Unlike other intraocular lenses, the LAL can be adjusted after surgery using light treatments, which means certain activities and exposures must be strictly avoided until your prescription is fully “locked in.” Dr. Waite and the team at Waite Vision have outlined the most important dos and don’ts to guide you through the process safely.
1. Wear Sunglasses Outside on the First Day
Dr. Waite recommends wearing sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors on the first day after your LAL procedure. Even though the latest LAL technology (ActivShield) no longer requires 24/7 UV-protective glasses, early protection against light exposure remains essential. This helps shield the healing eyes from unintended ultraviolet (UV) exposure while minimizing discomfort during this sensitive period. It’s also an important way to reduce photosensitivity as your eyes recover.
2. Avoid All UV and Bright Light Sources Until Final Lock-In
One of the most critical parts of post-op care is avoiding exposure to any UV or intense light sources that could unintentionally affect the photosensitive lens. This includes:
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Tanning beds
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Welding arcs
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Cosmetic lasers
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Bright Blue LED Lights
Because the LAL is designed to respond to light, these sources can act as a stimulus and trigger unintended adjustments before the lens is locked in. Any intense blue lighting environment poses a risk of altering the shape of your vision correction. When in doubt, don’t.
3. Don’t Rub Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes may seem harmless but can disrupt healing and increase the risk of infection or dislodging tissue affected during surgery. If your eye waters or feels irritated, gently dab with a clean tissue. Dr. Waite advises all patients to avoid pressure or friction near the eyes throughout the healing period to protect both the implant and the surface of the cornea.
4. Avoid Eye and Face Makeup for Two Days
Hold off on wearing any eye or face makeup on the day of your procedure and the following day. Applying or removing makeup too soon can introduce bacteria, cause irritation, or place unwanted pressure on the eye. Once Dr. Waite clears you, you can return to your normal routine. This helps preserve the results of your eye surgery while reducing the risk of post-op inflammation.
5. Skip Swimming and Hot Tubs for One Week
To reduce the risk of infection, do not swim or use hot tubs for one full week after surgery. This applies to pools, oceans, lakes, and spas. Showering and gentle face washing are safe, but be careful not to let water splash directly into your eyes. Contact with untreated water could compromise healing of the intraocular lens and expose the human eye to unnecessary bacteria.
6. Avoid Strenuous Activities and Heavy Lifting
Refrain from heavy lifting, bending over, or high-intensity workouts for the first several days. Walking is fine starting the day after your procedure, but activities that raise your heart rate or increase eye pressure should be avoided. Strenuous activity can interfere with healing or put stress on the eye during a critical adjustment window. Dr. Waite will let you know when it’s safe to resume full physical activity. This period of rest is especially important for patients who previously had cataract surgery or complex lens corrections.
7. Take Pain Relief If Needed
Mild discomfort is normal, but severe pain is uncommon. If needed, you may take ibuprofen, unless advised otherwise. This can help relieve any soreness or inflammation in the first hours after surgery. Most patients do not experience significant discomfort, but if you do feel soreness or irritation, it’s typically mild and manageable. Following your eye drop regimen is the most effective therapy to reduce inflammation and support healing.
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8. Use All Eye Drops Exactly as Prescribed
Following your eye drop schedule is essential for preventing inflammation and supporting recovery. Waite Vision provides each patient with detailed instructions based on their customized care plan. Most patients will be prescribed:
Anti-inflammatory drops (Prednisolone/Bromfenac):
• 1 drop four times daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bedtime) for the first week
• Then 1 drop twice daily (morning and night) for three additional weeks
Dry eye lubricating drops (Refresh Plus individual vials):
• 1 drop every 2–3 hours for the first week
Never skip doses or stop early unless directed by Dr. Waite. This drop regimen supports the healing cornea, enhances comfort, and helps stabilize the implant until all adjustments are finalized.
9. Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
These appointments aren’t optional — they’re a core part of the Light Adjustable Lens process. Dr. Waite will evaluate your healing, monitor visual acuity, and determine when light treatments should begin. Each light treatment adjusts the lens to fine-tune your vision, and after the final “lock-in” treatment, the lens will no longer respond to light.
Skipping appointments can delay your vision stabilization or compromise your final outcome. Keep your scheduled:
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One-day follow-up
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One-week to one month follow-up
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Any additional visits or light treatment sessions as advised
Ophthalmology practices like Waite Vision use advanced diagnostics to track your progress and optimize your personalized result.
10. Be Patient with Vision Fluctuations
Your vision may be slightly blurry or change from day to day in the first weeks after surgery. This is completely normal. Your eyes are healing, and the lens is still adjustable until the lock-in process is complete. Dr. Waite encourages patients to be patient, knowing that each step of the process is designed to lead to highly personalized, long-term results. This is especially true for those correcting complex visual perception conditions like astigmatism, where even small adjustments can have a big impact on your final visual acuity. Dr. Waite recommends taking time for healing between adjustments to get the best results. The whole time from from surgery to final lock in is usually 3-6 months.
This process of personalization is what sets the LAL apart from any standard corrective lens or static IOL—it gives your surgeon the ability to tailor your vision even after the surgery is complete, including for patients with astigmatism who require more precise visual outcomes.
11. Avoid High-Risk Environments Until Cleared
Beyond UV exposure and makeup, avoid dusty or smoky environments, public hot tubs, contact sports, and other high-risk activities that could irritate or injure the eyes. Protecting the eyes from accidental trauma is especially important while the adjustable lens is still in its active phase. Every patient’s sensitivity and healing timeline is different, and minimizing light exposure in the wrong setting could make a difference in your final visual perception.
12. Ask Before Resuming Hobbies or Activities
If you’re unsure whether an activity — like painting, using power tools, or playing tennis for example — is safe, ask Dr. Waite or the Waite Vision team before resuming it. Even everyday tasks that involve strong lighting, intense focus, or bending over may need to be paused temporarily depending on your healing progress. Whether you’re wearing glasses, a contact lens, or enjoying improved clarity without either, protecting your surgical outcome is worth the wait.
Protect Your Investment. Personalize Your Vision.
LAL recovery might feel different than what you expected, but every step you take is part of achieving the vision you’ve always wanted. With this one-of-a-kind lens, there’s no generic outcome—just a personalized result designed around you.
Dr. Waite and the team at Waite Vision are here to guide you through it all. If anything feels off or you have questions along the way, don’t wait—give us a call. Protect your progress, trust the process, and get ready to enjoy life with clear, customized vision.
source https://www.waitevision.com/custom-lens-replacement-clr/12-light-adjustable-lens-dos-and-donts-what-to-do-and-avoid-after-your-lal-procedure/
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