Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) Surgery in Turkey | Permanent Vision Correction

How do intraocular lenses (IOLs) work?

An intraocular lens (IOL) is a small artificial lens made of flexible, biocompatible material that is implanted inside the eye to change how light is focused on the retina.

There are two situations:

• Replacing the natural lens: during cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and an IOL is placed in the same position, inside the capsule that held the natural lens. The same technique, called refractive lens exchange, can be used to correct refractive errors.
• Adding a lens (phakic IOL): the natural lens is kept and an extra lens is placed in front of or behind the iris. It is mainly considered for high myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, particularly when laser surgery is not suitable, for example because the cornea is too thin.

Some IOL designs (multifocal, extended depth of focus) can also reduce the need for reading glasses in presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision.

Types of intraocular lenses

The main types of intraocular lenses are:

Intraocular lens implantation in Turkey

The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, with eye drops or an injection to numb the eye, and you stay awake. The eye is held open with a small instrument and the surgeon makes a very small incision.

For cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is broken up and removed through this incision, and the IOL is folded, inserted and positioned in the capsule that held the natural lens. For a phakic IOL, the lens is placed in front of or behind the iris and the natural lens stays. The incision is usually small enough to close on its own or with a fine suture, depending on the surgeon's technique.

Afterwards, you are usually asked to wear a protective eye shield, especially while sleeping, and to use the prescribed eye drops. Follow your surgeon's instructions.

IOL implant: When is it needed?

An IOL is needed in two main situations:

• Cataract: a cloudy lens can only be treated by surgery, and the removed lens is replaced by an IOL. See our page on cataract surgery.
• Refractive errors: laser surgery is usually considered first. When it is not suitable (for example, a thin cornea or high refractive error),a phakic IOL or lens exchange may be proposed by an ophthalmologist.

Opinions of ophthalmologists in Turkey

An ophthalmologic consultation is essential before considering an intraocular lens. The eye doctor examines your eyes, takes into account your medical history, your current eye condition and your vision needs, and explains which options are suitable for you.

Not every patient is a candidate for every type of lens: some eye conditions limit the choice of lens, and in some cases glasses or contact lenses remain the more appropriate option. Ask your ophthalmologist why a specific lens is proposed for you.

Are there any risks?

Like any eye surgery, IOL implantation carries risks. Possible complications include:

• Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis),which is rare but serious.
• Inflammation, bleeding or increased pressure in the eye.
• Clouding of the capsule behind the lens (posterior capsule opacification),which can appear months or years later and is treated with a laser.
• Retinal detachment.
• Displacement of the lens.
• Glare, halos or blurred vision, particularly with multifocal lenses.
• For phakic IOLs: cataract, glaucoma or loss of cells on the inner surface of the cornea.

Report any pain, redness, sudden loss of vision or flashes of light to your surgeon immediately. Your ophthalmologist must explain these risks and whether you are a suitable candidate before surgery.