What is lens replacement surgery?
Lens replacement surgery removes the natural lens inside your eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). The new lens is chosen to correct your prescription, so it can treat long-sightedness (hyperopia), short-sightedness (myopia), astigmatism and the age-related loss of near vision known as presbyopia.
The technique is the same as modern cataract surgery. When the natural lens is still clear the operation is often called refractive lens exchange. Because the natural lens is removed, a cataract cannot develop in it later, so the surgery treats existing cataracts and prevents new ones.
Who is it suitable for?
Lens replacement is often recommended when laser eye surgery such as LASIK is not the best option, for example because the prescription is very high, the cornea is too thin or the surface of the eye is not healthy enough. You may be a candidate if you:
- Are over 40 and want to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- Are between 21 and 40 but cannot have laser surgery, in which case a phakic lens may be considered
- Have early or established cataracts
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have no damage to the lens capsule, the thin bag that holds the lens
Your ophthalmologist will also check for conditions such as glaucoma, retinal disease or severe dry eye, which may affect the plan.
Types of lens
Trifocal lenses
A trifocal lens focuses light at three distances: far, intermediate (such as a computer screen) and near. It gives the widest range of vision without glasses, though some people notice halos or glare around lights at night, especially in the first months.
Bifocal lenses
A bifocal lens corrects far and near vision. Intermediate distances may be less sharp than with a trifocal lens.
Monofocal lenses
A monofocal lens gives clear vision at one chosen distance, usually far. You will typically need glasses for reading. Monofocal lenses cause the fewest night-time visual effects.
Toric lenses
Any of these lens designs can be made in a toric version to correct astigmatism at the same time.
Phakic lenses for patients under 40
For younger patients with a high prescription, a phakic intraocular lens is placed in front of or behind the iris while the natural lens stays in place. It works like a permanent contact lens inside the eye and keeps the eye's natural ability to focus.
How the procedure is done
Tests and consultation
On arrival you have detailed eye measurements, including the shape and length of the eye and the thickness of the cornea. Your ophthalmologist uses these to calculate the lens power, agrees the lens type with you and explains the risks before you sign the consent form.
Anaesthesia
Anaesthetic drops numb the eye and a light sedative helps you relax. General anaesthesia is available when needed.
Removing the natural lens
The surgeon makes two or three tiny incisions at the edge of the cornea, the largest about 3 mm wide. The natural lens is broken up with ultrasound and gently removed. In a phakic lens procedure this step is skipped.
Placing the new lens
The folded artificial lens is passed through the incision and unfolds in place. The incisions usually seal on their own without stitches. Each eye takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and the second eye is usually treated on a different day.
Recovery timeline
- First 24 hours
Your vision in the treated eye is blurry at first and the eye is covered with a protective shield. Rest at the hotel and start your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops as instructed.
- Day 1
You have a check-up the morning after surgery to measure eye pressure and confirm the lens is in the right position. Most people notice much clearer vision within a day or two.
- Week 1
Continue your drops and protect the eye. Mild grittiness, watering and sensitivity to light are common.
- Weeks 2–6
You can return to most normal activities from the second week. Vision continues to sharpen as the eye heals and the brain adapts to the new lens, especially with multifocal lenses.
Aftercare
For the first week:
- Do not rub or press on your eyes, and avoid vigorous rubbing for at least a further week
- Wash your hair with your head tilted back, as at a hairdresser, so that no water or shampoo gets into your eyes
- Keep make-up, creams and lotions away from the eye area
- Wear sunglasses outdoors
- Avoid swimming, heavy lifting, cycling and strenuous exercise
- Use your eye drops exactly as prescribed
Risks and side effects
Lens replacement is one of the most commonly performed eye operations, but like any surgery it carries risks. Your ophthalmologist will explain them before you consent. They include:
- Infection inside the eye
- Bleeding inside the eye, on the iris or around the eyelids
- Swelling of the cornea or of the central retina (macular oedema)
- Raised eye pressure or glaucoma
- Movement of the implanted lens
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Halos, glare or reduced contrast, particularly with multifocal lenses
- Clouding of the capsule behind the lens months or years later, treated with a short laser procedure
Many of these settle by themselves, but some need prompt treatment. If you notice pain, worsening vision, flashes, new floaters or a shadow in your vision, contact your coordinator straight away.
Results
Most patients see clearly within a few days, and vision settles over four to six weeks. The artificial lens is designed to last for life, and because the natural lens has been replaced you will not develop a cataract in it. How much you rely on glasses afterwards depends on the lens you choose and the health of your eyes.
Lens replacement in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
You send your current prescription, any recent eye reports and your medical history. The team reviews them with the ophthalmologist, sends you a treatment plan and books your dates. Stop wearing soft contact lenses for about a week before your measurements, and hard lenses for longer, as advised.
In Istanbul
A VIP driver meets you at the airport. A translator joins you for tests, surgery and check-ups, and a companion can travel with you at no extra cost. Tests, surgery and medication are covered by the package, and the eyes are usually treated on separate days.
Back home
Plan a follow-up with your optician or ophthalmologist a few weeks after you return. Your coordinator is available 24/7 on WhatsApp if you have questions about your drops or recovery.
What the Lens Replacement package includes
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Hospital and medical care
Your private hospital room, nursing care, pre-operative tests, consultations with your surgeon, anaesthesia, the operation itself and the medication you take home.
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VIP transfers
A private driver meets you at the airport and takes you between the airport, your hotel and the hospital.
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Translator and companion
A medical translator at the hospital, and a companion can travel with you at no extra cost.
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Meals and comfort
Daily meals for you and your companion throughout your stay.
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24/7 patient coordinator
A dedicated coordinator answers your questions before, during and after your trip, in your language.
Lens Replacement FAQ
Is lens replacement the same as cataract surgery?
The technique is the same. In cataract surgery the lens being removed is cloudy, while in refractive lens exchange it is still clear but replaced to correct your prescription. Either way, once the natural lens is replaced a cataract cannot form in it again.
Will I still need glasses afterwards?
With a trifocal lens many people manage most daily tasks without glasses, although some still like reading glasses for very small print or dim light. With a monofocal lens you will usually need glasses for some distances. Your ophthalmologist will explain what to expect with each option.
Does the operation hurt?
Anaesthetic drops numb the eye and a light sedative helps you relax, so most patients feel only mild pressure. The eye may feel gritty or scratchy for a day or two afterwards.
Are both eyes done on the same day?
Usually not. Your vision in the treated eye is blurry for about a day, so the eyes are normally operated on separate days. This means you always have one eye you can see well with.
Am I too young for lens replacement?
Lens exchange is mostly offered from around 40, when the natural lens starts to lose focusing power. If you are between 21 and 40 and cannot have laser surgery, a phakic lens implant that keeps your natural lens may be suggested instead.
How long do the artificial lenses last?
Intraocular lenses are designed to last for life and do not wear out. Some patients develop clouding of the capsule behind the lens months or years later, which is treated with a quick laser procedure.
When can I fly home?
Most patients fly home the day after their final check-up, about 4 to 5 days after arrival. Flying does not harm the eye, but use your drops as prescribed and avoid rubbing your eyes on the plane.
