# Intraocular Lens Replacement Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/intraocular-lens-implantation > **Summary:** Intraocular lens replacement removes the eye's natural lens and implants a permanent artificial lens, so patients can see far, at screen distance and up close without glasses. The same operation is used for cataract; here it is done to become independent of glasses, choosing between trifocal (multifocal), EDOF, monofocal and toric lenses according to the eye's measurements. ## Quick Facts - **Operation duration:** around 15-20 minutes per eye - **Anaesthesia:** anaesthetic drops, no general anaesthetic, patient stays awake - **Hospital stay:** same-day discharge with a companion; second eye usually operated on the next day (both eyes on the same day possible with the doctor's approval) - **Stay in Istanbul:** about 4 nights for lens replacement - **Flying home:** usually 24 to 48 hours after surgery - **Back to desk work:** within 1 to 3 days - **Lens durability:** lasts a lifetime, exchanged only for a medical reason --- ## What It Is An intraocular lens takes the place of the natural lens. The technique is identical to cataract surgery. When the natural lens is still clear the operation is called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Because the natural lens is removed, a cataract cannot develop later. ## Lens Types - **Monofocal:** one sharp distance, usually far; reading glasses are usually still needed. - **EDOF:** continuous range from far to arm's length, with fewer halos at night; small print may still need glasses. Often preferred by people who drive a lot in the dark and often a good option after previous laser surgery. - **Trifocal (Multifocal):** three focal points (distance, intermediate such as a computer screen or car dashboard, and near); the widest freedom from glasses. - **Toric:** not a separate type but a version of the above that also corrects astigmatism. Which lens an eye can take is decided by measurement, not preference, so two patients with the same prescription may be offered different lenses. ## Who It Suits - Lens replacement is usually most suitable from the mid-40s onwards, when near vision starts to decline; there is no strict upper age limit, eye health matters more than age. - The hospital offers laser up to the age of forty-five and suggests a lens from forty onwards; between forty and forty-five both options are discussed and the examination decides. - After about forty to forty-five the natural lens stiffens: reading vision declines and a cataract lies ahead. Replacing the lens addresses both and does not need repeating. - Short-sighted people can read by removing their glasses; laser corrects distance but spends that reserve, so reading glasses come sooner. A lens provides near vision itself. - Younger patients whose natural lens still focuses well are usually better served by laser or ICL. - Eyes with conditions that already limit image quality (certain retinal diseases, an irregular cornea) are usually not suited to a trifocal lens, because a multifocal lens divides the incoming light; a safer alternative is recommended. - Previous laser eye surgery does not prevent lens replacement; it is taken into account in the lens calculations. ## Prices (Turkey 2026) All packages include accommodation (4 nights), three meals a day, round-trip airport transfers, doctor examination, all eye tests, lenses and operation, surgery control, and payment on site. | Lens | Price (Per Eye) | Method | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Johnson & Johnson Odyssey Multifocal (most chosen) | £1,450 | Distance & Near & Intermediate | | Alcon Clareon PanOptix Pro Multifocal | £1,500 | Distance & Near & Intermediate | | Johnson & Johnson PureSee (most chosen) | £1,600 | EDOF (extended depth of focus) | | Alcon Clareon PanOptix Multifocal | £1,275 | Distance & Near & Intermediate | | Alcon Clareon Vivity | £1,425 | EDOF (extended depth of focus) | | Johnson & Johnson Odyssey Toric Multifocal | £1,650 | Distance & Near & Intermediate | | Johnson & Johnson PureSee EDOF Toric | £1,800 | Johnson & Johnson PureSee Toric IOL | | Alcon Clareon PanOptix Trifocal (Multifocal) Toric | £1,525 | Alcon Clareon PanOptix Toric IOL | | Alcon Clareon Vivity Toric | £1,625 | EDOF Toric | The FAQ describes the package as also including hospital accommodation with three meals a day, round-trip VIP airport transfers, all eye drops and medication and post-operative check-ups; flights are not included and there are no hidden costs. If the patient is found unsuitable, no surgery is done and only the examination, tests carried out, airport transfer and nights actually stayed are paid. Using a partner hotel or own accommodation reduces the package price accordingly. No prepayment: payment on site after the examination; credit cards are accepted, but international banks may add a 5% to 10% commission. ## Technologies and Devices - **IOLMaster:** biometry for lens calculation. - **Pentacam:** corneal mapping. - **iTrace:** aberrometry; also lets the doctor simulate expected vision after surgery. - **Alcon LenSx and Ziemer femtosecond lasers:** used for lens surgery. - **Johnson & Johnson STAR S4 IR excimer laser with iDesign:** personalised laser treatment. - **ZEISS VisuMax 800:** used for ReLEx SMILE PRO. - **Lenses:** internationally approved lenses from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson and ZEISS. ## About the Hospital - Specialist eye care group since 2002 with 4 hospitals; more than 3 million patients examined. - Senior surgeons with 25+ to 32 years of experience and more than 90,000 procedures between them. Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez (Chief Surgeon): 32 years, more than 53,000 cases. Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil (lead lens surgeon): 28 years, more than 38,000 operations. - International patients are treated at the ISO-certified hospital in Acıbadem, Kadıköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul; pickup from IST and SAW airports. - 24 private ensuite patient rooms in the hospital, three meals a day, a companion can stay on a sofa bed. - Language support: English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian and Turkish; an English-speaking coordinator accompanies patients throughout. --- ## The Treatment Journey ### Before Treatment - Free initial assessment before travel: send prescription and previous eye reports by WhatsApp or email; final suitability is confirmed by examination in Istanbul. - Stop soft contact lenses at least 5 to 7 days before the examination. - Tests: IOLMaster biometry, Pentacam corneal mapping, iTrace aberrometry, corneal thickness, eye pressure, retina examination, pupil size analysis, dry eye assessment, full refraction and eye dominance. - Bring passport, current glasses, previous eye reports or prescriptions, list of medications and sunglasses. ### During Treatment - Eye numbed with anaesthetic drops; slight pressure but usually no pain. Lens surgery takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye. - The second eye is usually operated on the next day, after the first eye has been checked; both eyes on the same day if the doctor considers it appropriate. Both eyes can also be done on separate trips. ### After Treatment - Rest in the hospital room; first check-up the following morning. - Avoid eye make-up for about a week and swimming pools and the sea for about 20 days. - Cabin pressure and airport scanners do not affect the eyes or lenses. - Halos around lights at night are normal with multifocal lenses in the first weeks and usually fade over the following months. - Follow-up continues by WhatsApp; local optometrists can do routine checks. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: I do not have a cataract. Can I still have lens replacement?** A: Yes. It is then called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), with the same technique. Age and eye structure are assessed first, as it is not right for everyone. **Q: Is there an age limit?** A: No strict upper limit. It is usually most suitable from the mid-40s; younger patients are usually better served by laser or ICL. **Q: Will I need glasses again after trifocal lenses?** A: Most patients no longer need glasses for daily life; glasses may occasionally help for very small print in dim light. **Q: Can the lens be changed later?** A: It is designed to last a lifetime and is exchanged only for a medical reason, which is why the choice before surgery matters. **Q: Can I have lens replacement after laser eye surgery?** A: Yes. Earlier treatment is included in the lens calculations, and EDOF lenses are often a good option. **Q: How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?** A: About 4 nights for lens replacement (about 3 nights for laser and about 7 for ICL). **Q: Can I decide not to go ahead after the examination?** A: Yes. The final decision is always yours. **Q: Can I travel alone or bring a companion?** A: Both. A coordinator accompanies patients throughout, and a companion can stay in the private room.