Lens Replacement Surgery

Lens replacement surgery is a commonly preferred treatment option last years which can correct a wide range of visual errors, as well as treating cataracts. It is one of the safest and most regularly performed operations in the world – with over 3 million people in Europe going on to enjoy eyeglasses free life and changing benefits of having their vision transformed with intraocular lens (IOL) replacement every year.

A cataract is the loss of transparency of our lens inside the eye. Our intraocular lens is in our pupil and must be transparent from birth. This lens begins to lose its transparency most often from the age of 60. Unfortunately, cataract treatment without surgery is not possible. The only treatment method for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in medical sciences and the success rate is 97%.

When is it necessary to have a lens replacement surgery?

Surgery should be considered, if:

• vision is difficult due to cataracts,
• you are over 40 and do not want to use two separate glasses for both near and far vision,
• daily life difficulties arise.

How is lens replacement surgery performed?

The total duration of cataract surgery is between 10 and 15 minutes. In the meantime, the patient’s eye is anesthetized with drops. Then, the lens that has lost its transparency in the eye is removed and a new and artificial lens is placed in its place. The current method we use in cataract surgery is performed with the surgery method called Phaco (Phacoemulsification) seamlessly.

What is the cost of lens replacement surgery?

The price varies depending on the type of intraocular lens to be used in lens replacement surgery. The introductory price for a single eye can be thought of as 1000 euro. However, the price may vary in the astigmatic eye and depending on the brand of the lens to be put. You can contact us via WhatsApp for price information.

Smart lens selection in cataract surgery

Smart lenses have been developed to see near and far and to provide clear vision without glasses at medium distances.

Intraocular lenses are divided into two as monofocal and multifocal.

Monofocal (single focus) lenses stop using glasses for far when using them for cataract surgery, but it is required using near glasses.

In multifocal ones, the lens is bifocal or trifocal. Trifocal lenses, i.e. smart lenses, have three focuses. Our patients with these lenses can easily see both near and far.

Permanent and lifetime utilization is provided by removing the eyepiece and placing the multifocal lenses. Multifocal lenses, which we usually apply after the age of 40, can also be applied to people who have had cataract surgery in the past. It allows you to continue your life with a healthy sight after the application and treatment of the smart lenses in a short time such as 10-15 minutes.

Recovery time after lens replacement surgery

Recovery time after lens replacement surgery is an important question that our working patients frequently ask us. The recovery period is approximately 1 month. However, it is possible to return to where you live within a few days. It is possible to continue your life without glasses with 1-2 control examinations that will be done where you live.

When does your vision improve after surgery?

Post-operative vision usually days reaches a better level within the first week than before surgery. It is normal for the vision to be cloudy in the early days after cataract surgery. This blur decreases every day and usually resolves within one week.

If you have had an intraocular lens operation, you may notice that colors are quite bright. The intraocular lens is different from your natural lens, which can have a yellowish/brownish color tone. The need for far and near glasses has decreased with the smart lenses that are used in cataract surgery, that is, far-near multifocal lenses. The main disadvantage of these lenses is their high cost. However, the satisfaction of the patients in the post-operative period is also quite high. For our patients who prefer multifocal lenses, reaching the best visual potential can sometimes take up to 6 months.

Who may not change visual clarity after cataract surgery?

We tell people who have problems in the retina layer of the eye that their vision may not be improved. We may sometimes encounter similar situations in our patients with eye pressure. We share these risks with our patients as it is critical for them to be aware of such situations.

What are the issues to be considered after cataract surgery?

It should be avoided from impacts to the eyes.

Do not rub or apply pressure to your eyes.

Avoid challenging movements such as heavy lifting, straining, coughing for 1 week.

Your eye is sensitive to infections in the first days following surgery. Do not shake hands and kiss your friends. Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands before applying medication to your eyes. Do not touch the tip of the medicine bottle to your eyes and eyelashes.

There is no harm in continuing with your daily activities such as reading, watching television, and walking.

There may be slight itching, stinging, and sensitivity to light in the first week after the surgery.

The use of sunglasses by those who are disturbed by light reduces their complaints.

Do not drive without your doctor’s approval after the medical examinations.