Lens Replacement Surgery

Our main aim is to ensure that our patient get the best possible treatment, and that you are happy with the outcome. We use state-of-the-art technology to correct your vision. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), which is also known as Refractive Lens Replacement, Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) or Clear Lens Surgery is a treatment for patients suffering from presbyopia (long-sightedness normally occurring in middle and old age), hyperopia (farsightedness where objects nearby are not seen as clearly as objects in the distance) or those with a considerably thin cornea. It is commonly used for patients over 40 who don’t qualify for either LASIK or PRK laser eye surgery but are not willing to continue using glasses or use contact lenses. It can also correct myopia (near-sightedness) but it is not normally recommended when LASIK surgery or Phakic intraocular lens (IOL) can be used.

The procedure involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. As well as removing the need to continue wearing glasses or use contact lenses, the new artificial intraocular lens will also mean that the patient will not suffer from cataracts in the future as a cataract cannot form on an artificial lens. You will not be able to see an artificial lens within your eye as it is placed on your eye, unlike a contact lens. The lenses are meant to last a lifetime as there is a negligible risk of regression (deteriorating of corrective vision) due to factors related to ageing.

Most people will report immediate visual improvement a few days after surgery. There is no "one size fits all," and your eye surgeon will recommend the lens that is most suitable for your individual needs. The procedure for refractive lens exchange is virtually identical to cataract surgery. The difference is that in RLE, the lens being replaced is clear, rather than a cloudy lens due to a cataract. The artificial intraocular lens is a permanent replacement for your natural lens and is designed to last the rest of your life.

On the path to full recovery patients may experience a few episodes of discomfort such as blurred vision, halos and glare. Most patients can go back to work within a week of the surgery, although you may need to wait 2 weeks before driving again. Approximately 95% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of surgery, and many describe it as life changing. We will be helping you with everything along the way with our top of the line opthalmologists in Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long the treatment takes?

The whole process takes about 15 to 30 minutes per eye. You can also get each of eyes treated at separate occasions, reducing the individual surgery time even further.

2. How exactly lens replacement helps patients?

In lens replacement surgery or refractive lens replacement, the lens of your eye is replaced with a synthetic lens, making your vision clearer and brighter. This premium lens can help correct farsightedness, short-sightedness and reading vision. It is a simple procedure with a high success rate.

3. Why should you go for lens replacement treatment?

Patients who can't receive laser eye treatment may see lens replacement surgery as an effective alternative. This includes individuals with thin corneas, high prescriptions, or other complications. Older patients over 50 years of age may choose lens replacement surgery as they have a higher risk of developing cataracts

4. Is Lens Replacement treatment safe?

Lens replacement surgery is considered one of the safest medical procedures that allows patients to return to normal life within a few days. There may be minor complications such as eye redness and itching that can be resolved with additional treatment.

5. How long would it take one to recover?

Your vision will gradually improve over the first few weeks following treatment, with optimum vision usually achieved after about 4-6 weeks. Most people return to work about three days after having lens replacement surgery.

How Does Process Work?

First Day: After your consultation with our medical consultant, you have learned that you are suitable for Lens replacement surgery and booked your treatment for a specific date. Finally, the time has come for you to travel to Izmir/Turkey for your treatment. After a few hours of flight, you are now in Izmir. Great! Now, our team in the field will take you from the airport with our VIP vehicle to your hotel so that you can rest for the night and get ready for the big day.

Second Day: Good morning, you are now being taken by our team from your hotel to the hospital for your lens replacement surgery. There, you will consult to our eye doctor, get your pre-operative tests done and be prepared for the surgery. If there are no surprises, you will be taken to the operating room. After the surgery which will take only 10 minutes, your operated eye will be bound, and you will be taken to your room at the hotel so that you can rest.

Third Day: The day after the operation your bandage on the operated eye will be removed.

Fourth and Fifth Day: You should wait for your eye to heal fully.

Sixth Day: You will again be picked up from your hotel and taken to the hospital for the procedure but this time the other eye will be treated and bandaged. After your treatment is done you will be taken back to your hotel to heal.

Seventh Day: The day after the operation your bandage on the operated eye will also be removed.

Eighth Day: It is now your last day in Izmir. You will be picked from your hotel by our field team and taken to the airport.

Pre-Op Instructions

Avoid smoking and drinking to enhace your recovery.

You should come to the appointment in comfortable clothing.

Do not wear any makeup, perfume, lotion, or hair products which could interfere with the laser.

Remember to bring sunglasses.

In some cases, sun protection may be provided, but having a pair of your own sunglasses is handy. Your eyes may be sensitive to light after the procedure. A driver must accompany the patient or prior arrangement for transportation. As Medlife Group, we offer our patients a VIP transfer during their treatment.

Stop Wearing Contact Lenses for a few weeks before surgery.

It’s important that the cornea be in a natural state before the surgery is performed.

Many people do not realize this, but wearing contact lenses will change the shape of the corneas.

Post-Op Instructions

Refrain from contact sports for a month – non-contact sports (e.g. jogging or going to the gym) can be resumed the day after your surgery.

Avoid touching your eyes or letting any smoke, dust or sweat get into them for at least a month to help prevent any infections.

To reduce your risk of eye fatigue, try not to watch television for too long and refrain from extended periods of computer work.

Avoid driving for a few days after your surgery.

Do not remove your eye patch or shield on your own.

Avoid coughing and vomiting (throwing up). Coughing and vomiting may cause the pressure in your eye to go up.

Do not push down hard (strain) when having a bowel movement. Pushing down hard or straining usually happens when you have constipation (dry, hard stools).

Smoking may increase your risk of getting cataracts, which will make your lens cloudier.

Avoid swimming for a week after the surgery.

Avoid bright sunlight. Wear sunglasses that are to protect your eyes from certain sun rays called ultraviolet B (UVB). Wear a hat with a brim when you go outside in the sun.

Finally, to promote a healthy healing environment within your eyes, always use the anti-inflammatory drops that have been prescribed to you by our surgeon.

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