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Eye Lens Implant

Eye lens implant surgery, also known as intraocular lens (IOL) surgery, is a procedure where the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial one to improve vision. This surgery is commonly performed to treat conditions like cataracts (where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy) or to correct refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism. The artificial lens restores clear vision by focusing light properly onto the retina.

This procedure is highly effective, and most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision following surgery.

Also known as: Intraocular Lens (IOL) Surgery, Cataract Surgery, Lens Replacement Surgery

Everything You Need to Know

Eye lens implant surgery is a safe and well-established treatment that can significantly enhance vision and quality of life. Here are some of the main benefits of the procedure:

  • Improved Vision: Most patients experience clearer, sharper vision after the procedure.
  • Permanent Correction: The artificial lens provides long-term vision correction, often eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
  • Fast Recovery: Patients typically notice improved vision within a few days of the procedure, with minimal downtime.

This surgery can correct various eye conditions, and many patients enjoy freedom from corrective eyewear after the procedure.

When is Eye Lens Implant Surgery Needed?

Eye lens implant surgery is commonly recommended for patients with cataracts, where the natural lens becomes cloudy and impairs vision. It is also suitable for individuals with severe refractive errors who are not candidates for laser eye surgery. The procedure may be offered to those seeking clear vision without reliance on glasses or contact lenses, making it a popular option for vision correction in older adults or individuals with certain eye conditions.

If left untreated, cataracts can worsen over time, leading to vision loss and potentially blindness.

Before Surgery

Consultation

During your consultation, your ophthalmologist will assess your vision, perform tests to evaluate your eye health, and discuss your symptoms and lifestyle needs. The doctor will explain the different types of artificial lenses available, including monofocal lenses (which provide clear vision at one distance) and multifocal lenses (which can improve vision at multiple distances). Together, you will choose the best lens type based on your individual needs.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

Before your eye lens implant surgery, you will receive detailed instructions to prepare for the procedure. These may include:

  • Medication Adjustments: If you take any medications, particularly blood thinners, your doctor may advise you to stop them before surgery.
  • Eye Drops: You may be prescribed antibiotic eye drops to use before the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Fasting: If the surgery is done under general anaesthesia, you will need to fast from the night before the procedure.

Your doctor will provide all the necessary guidelines to ensure you are fully prepared for the surgery.

During the Surgery

Our state-of-the-art surgical facilities and experienced ophthalmologists ensure a safe and smooth procedure.

Anaesthesia

The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, meaning your eye will be numbed, but you will remain awake. Sedation may also be offered to help you relax during the surgery. General anaesthesia may be used in certain cases, but this is rare for eye lens implants.

Surgical Process for Eye Lens Implant

The surgery usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your eye to remove the cloudy natural lens (in cases of cataracts) and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens is made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic and is carefully positioned to provide clear vision.

In some cases, advanced laser techniques are used to ensure precise incisions and lens placement, enhancing the overall accuracy of the procedure.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the surgery, and the incision is so small that stitches are rarely needed.

After Surgery

Immediate Post-Op Care

You may experience some mild discomfort, itching, or blurriness in the days following surgery. Your doctor will provide protective eyewear, such as a shield, to wear while sleeping, and you will be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
It’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes, heavy lifting, or any strenuous activity during the initial healing phase. Your vision should begin to improve within a few days, and the full benefits of the surgery will be noticeable as your eye heals over the following weeks.

Long-Term Recovery

Complete recovery from eye lens implant surgery usually takes about four to six weeks. During this time, you may be required to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure your vision is stabilising as expected. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain or significant vision changes, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately.

Most patients can resume normal activities, including driving, within a few days after the procedure, although each case is unique, and your doctor will provide tailored advice based on your recovery.

Appointment and Treatment Plan

01

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a consultation where your vision is assessed, and your doctor discusses your symptoms and goals for surgery.

02

The Procedure

Together with your doctor, you will choose the most appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) based on your vision correction needs and lifestyle.

03

Surgery

The surgery will be performed using either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your preferences.

04

Follow Up and Recovery

You will attend follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure that your vision is improving as expected.

Top Tips

  • Use Prescribed Eye Drops: Follow your doctor’s instructions for using eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
  • Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Protect your eyes during the healing process by not touching or rubbing them.
  • Wear Protective Eyewear: Use the eye shield provided by your doctor while sleeping to protect your eyes.
  • Rest and Recover: Take it easy in the days following surgery and avoid strenuous activities until your doctor advises it is safe to resume them.

How to pay for your treatment

If you’re… paying for yourself

Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.

For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.

If you’re… insured

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.