Are there disadvantages of lens replacement surgery?

You might wonder: “Are there disadvantages of lens replacement surgery?” As with any surgery, there may be some side effects.

Lens replacement surgery involves removing your natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one, called an IOL (Intraocular lens). Lens replacement surgery treats short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism and the need for reading glasses over 50. It also removes your need for future cataract surgery. It is world-renowned for being one of the most popular and low-risk eye surgeries on the market. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages.

Side effects

Side effects are a normal part of the healing process and usually fade over time. Your surgeon does everything they can to prevent complications.

Some side effects may include;¹https://www.optegra.com/lens-replacement/risks/

Glares & halos

If you see glowing rings at night, it’s a normal side effect that means your eyes are healing as they should. Moreover, technology is constantly improving for lens replacement surgery, so these side effects are becoming less common. Furthermore, night vision disturbances are more common with trifocal lenses. We can recommend EDoF lenses if you’re concerned about glare and halos.

Dry & red eyes

You may experience tired, dry, or uncomfortable eyes after your surgery. This natural response will usually resolve itself within 6-8 weeks. You can relieve them with eye drops.

Infection

This is a rare complication, with the infection rate of lens replacement surgery being 0.1% (or 1/1000). A sterile operating environment and strict infection-control protocols are the norm in a hospital setting (where we carry out the procedure). We provide medications that – assuming you take them – should prevent any postoperative infection. However, if you notice any pain, loss of vision or anything that doesn’t feel right, we encourage you to communicate this to your surgeon.

Vision results

Most patients are very happy with their vision results after lens replacement. However, 1 in 20 patients may need a laser top-up procedure to improve their vision quality. Here at VSON, we offer 10 years of re-treatments for free, ‘where the re-treatment is necessary due to regression’. Find out more here.

It’s more invasive than laser eye surgery

Lens replacement surgery is a treatment where the natural lens is replaced with an artificial one. Due to this, the procedure is more invasive than other vision correction methods and has a longer recovery time.

However, lens replacement is widely known for being a safe and effective treatment and is constantly improving due to technological advancements.

Most patients achieve greatly improved vision for life

All surgical procedures have their drawbacks, but for the most part, lens replacement surgery is a decision people don’t regret. IOLs are for life; their synthetic properties allow them to become permanent fixtures in your eyes and improve your optical capabilities.

The unknown can be scary, but hopefully, this information gives you more clarity. If you wish to discuss your specific situation, book a free assessment today.