Lens Replacement Surgery in Turkey

dr. Muhammed Alkhatib Updated: 8 min read

Lens Replacement surgery in Turkey is a procedure that replaces the transparent lens inside the eye with an artificial lens that corrects vision problems and refractive errors. Let’s learn more about lens replacement surgery.

Certain diseases may affect the lens inside the eye, impacting its natural function. The lens may become cloudy, obstructing the passage of light into the eye and resulting in visual disturbances such as blurriness and haziness of vision. In such cases, lens replacement surgery can be performed to correct and treat vision problems.

Eye lens replacement surgery has become a routine procedure in Turkey for treating lens diseases. The surgery is performed using the latest techniques and at minimal costs. Various types of intelligent artificial lenses are available in Turkey to suit each patient’s condition. Additionally, lens replacement surgery can help treat refractive errors without needing prescription glasses or contact lenses.

What are the conditions that necessitate lens replacement surgery?

Each human eye has a transparent ring behind the colored iris called the lens. This lens focuses light from various distances onto the retina, which sends the light signals to the brain for interpretation, allowing us to see images clearly.

Although the lens is composed of clear proteins and a small amount of water that gives it the property of transparency and the ability to transmit light through it, it is susceptible to becoming a cloudy, less transparent ring.

One of the main causes of this is cataracts, where proteins and fibers inside the lens break down, making the lens opaque and difficult for light to pass through. In advanced stages, it can become completely opaque, leading to blindness.

Cataracts (lens opacity) are among the most common conditions that prompt an ophthalmologist to perform iol cataract surgery. They commonly occur with age, and cataract-related opacity is the leading cause of blindness in older adults.

Therefore, the earlier cataract surgery is performed, the better the results in changing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a new lens that corrects the patient’s vision before the opacity progresses to cause blindness.

As mentioned earlier, the lens facilitates the passage of light so that the shadow is positioned correctly on the retina. This process is known as accommodation. Some individuals have problems with accommodation and consequently have difficulty seeing objects clearly from far or near distances without wearing glasses or external lenses.

This is the case with problems like hyperopia (difficulty seeing near objects) or myopia (difficulty seeing distant objects). In both cases, icl lens surgery or laser vision correction can help eliminate these problems without needing glasses or contact lenses.

In This Picture, Cataract Is Shown, Which Usually Requires A Surgery To Implant A Lens In The Eye For Treatment.
Cataract (Clouding Of The Eye Lens)

How is lens replacement surgery performed in Turkey?

During lens replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged eye lens and replaces it with an intelligent artificial lens made of plastic.

The patient remains awake during the intraocular lens implant but feels no pain or discomfort as the eye is anesthetized. The patient may be given pain relievers and medications to help them relax during the icl surgery.

The ophthalmologist makes a small surgical incision in the front of the eye and may use a laser to create this small incision. Then, the protein clusters of cataracts are broken up and suctioned out with the help of surgical tools to make way for the new artificial lens to be implanted in its place inside the eye.

Cataract and lens replacement surgery typically takes only one hour, and the patient does not need to stay overnight. Lens replacement surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure at the doctor’s clinic.

Read more about: Laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Turkey is renowned for its various types of lens implant surgeries, as there are several types of lens implant surgeries available, each with different specifications and qualities of artificial lenses. You can contact us for more details about lens implantation and to schedule an appointment with the best eye doctors in Istanbul.

Steps Of Lens Replacement Surgery In Turkey
How To Perform Lens Implantation Surgery

Types of Lenses in Turkey

Lens replacement surgery in Turkey is divided into several types based on the type of implanted lenses, including:

Monofocal IOL Lens Implant Surgery

This lens type is the most commonly used in cataract surgery (artificial lenses for cataracts). It focuses vision at one distance, whether near or far. Usually, a distant-focused lens is implanted, and the patient may be advised to wear glasses for near vision.

Multifocal Implant Lens Surgery

This artificial lens enables clear vision for both near and distant distances simultaneously. It contains a part that helps with close vision and another that focuses on distant vision. Therefore, this lens does not require the person to wear glasses for near vision.

This lens type is more advanced than the previous one but may cause some side effects, such as glare.

Light Adjustable Lens Implantation

These lenses can be adjusted after implantation to suit each patient’s preference. They are a good option for patients with both myopia and hyperopia. They are also suitable for patients with Astigmatism because they can adjust their specifications according to their visual needs.

These lenses are adjusted after implantation through light treatment that changes their shape. This allows for adjusting the range of vision and improving visual outcomes instead of relying on contact lenses or prescription glasses.

Toric IOL

Toric eye lens implants are specially designed for patients with Astigmatism who also have cataracts. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea takes on an irregular shape that hinders the passage of light to the retina. You can read more about Astigmatism.

شكل العدسة الاصطناعية التي توضع أثناء عملية زراعة عدسة العين
Toric eye lens implants

Post-operative care after lens replacement surgery in Turkey

After lens replacement surgery, the patient may notice temporary blurriness in vision. There’s no need to worry as this is a normal occurrence due to the dilation of the eye’s pupil resulting from the procedure, which soon returns to its natural state after a short period.

Once the pupil returns to its normal size, the person begins to notice a significant improvement in vision. This improvement gradually increases after the lens replacement surgery and may take about a week to reach its best condition. However, this period may extend to a month or more in other cases.

The required period for complete recovery and healing from lens replacement surgery depends on several factors, including the type of implanted lens, the patient’s condition before the procedure, and the brain’s adaptation speed to the new eye lens.

Therefore, this period may range from one week to several months and may even extend to a full year in some patients.

The patient should follow a set of guidelines during the post-operative period, including:

  • Avoid exposing the eye to sunlight whenever possible and use sunglasses
  • Use eye protection when sleeping to avoid eye injury
  • Avoid rubbing or exerting pressure on the eyes
  • The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops
  • Maintain eye health and consult the doctor if you notice any new symptoms

Are there any disadvantages to lens replacement surgery?

ICL Lens replacement surgery is generally safe; however, it may cause some complications or side effects in rare cases, including:

  • Temporary redness and swelling of the eye after lens replacement surgery.
  • Bleeding inside the eye in the lens implantation area.
  • Infection transmission to the eye.
  • Retinal detachment: a condition requiring emergency treatment.
  • Movement of the lens from its position.
  • Loss of vision in the affected eye (extremely rare complication).

Icl surgery price in Turkey 2023

The cost of lens replacement surgery in Turkey ranges from $500 to $3000 USD, depending on several factors, such as the type of lenses, the patient’s condition before the procedure, and the medical centers or clinics. Prices vary from one center to another in Istanbul.

You can contact us to guide you to the best centers in Turkey that offer the best service at a reasonable price. Our team consists of a group of Arab and Turkish doctors who help patients receive treatment in Turkey step by step, from travel procedures to the end of treatment and the patient’s return to their country.

In conclusion, lens replacement surgery is one of the most common procedures in Turkey to treat lens problems, especially cataracts. The Turkish government provides the latest lenses available globally with an expert medical team capable of performing this type of surgery. Through the implantation of artificial lenses inside the eye, vision problems can be corrected, and the new lens may eliminate the need for wearing prescription glasses.


Some of the references we used:

  1. Cataract and New Intraocular Lenses
  2. Types of intraocular lenses (IOL), Sydney Eye Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does vision improve after lens implant surgery?

Some people may experience improved vision immediately after lens implantation, while others may need up to 48 hours to see improvement due to the surgical impact on the eye. Improvement is usually gradual and continues for a week to two weeks until it becomes more apparent.

Does vision weaken after lens replacement?

Vision does not usually weaken after lens replacement surgery; on the contrary, visual acuity typically improves gradually after the procedure. It is normal to experience slight blurriness in vision after lens implantation, which usually clears up within a short time. The eye may need some time to adjust to the new lens.

Can the implanted lens inside the eye be removed?

Removing implanted lenses inside the eye and replacing them with a new artificial lens is possible. Despite the rarity of the need for this, replacement may occur when the artificial lens does not yield the desired results, prompting its replacement with another lens.

What are the risks of lens replacement surgery for vision correction?

No surgical procedure is free from the possibility of some side effects, and lens implant surgery may be accompanied by complications resulting from the improper conduct of the procedure, such as bleeding or bacterial infection that can spread inside the eye. Retinal detachment, a serious condition requiring immediate intervention, may occur, and in rare cases, lens implantation may lead to vision loss. Therefore, choosing an experienced and reputable doctor to perform lens implantation is always advised.

What are the best types of lenses implanted inside the eye?

The best type of lens cannot be determined for all patients, as each patient requires a lens that suits their condition and visual ability. However, the most commonly used type in current cataract surgeries is the monofocal IOL (Intraocular Lens).

What is the estimated success rate of lens implantation surgery in Turkey?

Studies have indicated that the success rate of eye lens implant has exceeded 90% in Turkey.

How long does the lens replacement surgery take?

The procedure typically takes only 20 to 60 minutes.

Is lens implantation surgery painful?

The patient does not feel any pain during the iol cataract surgery due to the effect of local anesthesia applied to the eye.

When is lens implantation surgery typically performed in Turkey?

The eye lens is replaced when it becomes cloudy, preventing light from passing through (cataracts), or when the lens develops an issue causing vision impairment.

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