# Add On Intraocular Lens

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/add-on-intraocular-lens

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Date:** 2026-09-13

> **Summary:** An add-on lens is an additional intraocular lens placed in front of an existing lens implant, most often after cataract surgery, to correct a remaining prescription or add near and intermediate vision. The existing lens stays in place, so the procedure is less invasive than exchanging it.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation duration:** about 15-20 minutes per eye
- **Anaesthesia:** anaesthetic eye drops, ambulatory (home the same day)
- **Recovery:** back to daily life within a few days; full recovery and final clarity in up to several weeks
- **First check-up:** the next day
- **Price:** from £1,500 per eye

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## What It Is
- An extra lens placed in front of the existing intraocular lens, between the iris and that lens, without removing or damaging it.
- Mostly custom-made and personalised; used for remaining short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism, and multifocal add-on lenses add focusing range to the existing lens.
- Provides protection against ultraviolet light; can be an alternative to glasses or contact lenses and in most cases reduces or eliminates the need for glasses.

## Who It Suits
**Usually suitable:**
- Already had cataract or lens surgery and has an intraocular lens.
- A prescription remained after surgery (short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism).
- Wants to add near and intermediate vision to a single-focus lens.
- Wants the current lens to stay; current lens is stable and the eye is otherwise healthy.

**Needs a closer look:**
- No intraocular lens yet (natural lens still in place).
- Not enough space in the eye for an additional lens.
- Advanced glaucoma or retinal disease.
- Active eye infection or inflammation inside the eye.

Suitability is decided after examination and measurements.

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
- **Infection:** very rare; antibiotic drops before and after surgery minimise it.
- **Temporary rise in eye pressure:** usually in the first few days, controlled with drops.
- **Mild inflammation:** possible in the first days, settles with drops.
- **Lens movement:** uncommon; can be repositioned in a short procedure.
- **Halos and glare at night:** may be noticeable in the first weeks and usually fade as the brain adapts.

## Prices
The price varies with the underlying cause and the operation; the treatment plan is set after a detailed examination. All packages include accommodation (4 nights), three meals a day, round-trip airport transfers, doctor examination, all eye tests, lens and operation, surgery control and payment on site.

| Procedure | Price (Per Eye) | Method | Both Eyes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| AddOn Intraocular Lens | £1,500 | 1stQ AddOn IOL | 3,000 £ |
| AddOn Toric Intraocular Lens | £2,250 | 1stQ AddOn Toric IOL | 4,500 £ |

## Understanding Your Prescription
- A prescription is usually valid for two years.
- **Sphere (SPH):** minus means difficulty seeing far, plus means difficulty up close.
- **Cylinder (CYL):** astigmatism correction; blank means none.
- **Axis:** direction of astigmatism, an angle between 0 and 180 degrees.
- **Addition (ADD):** extra power for near vision, usually needed after 40.
- **Prism:** helps eye alignment; only for double vision or a squint.

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## The Treatment Journey

### Before Treatment
- Detailed examination of eye health, the existing intraocular lens and eye structure; lens chosen to fit the eye.

### During Treatment
- Anaesthetic drops, sterile operating theatre; a small incision and precise placement of the lens.

### After Treatment
- Short observation, then home the same day.
- Slight discomfort or blurriness in the first 24 hours is usually temporary.
- Most patients notice significant improvement within the first week.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is an add-on lens?**
A: A second lens placed in front of the existing one in people who already have an intraocular lens, to correct a remaining prescription or support near vision.

**Q: Is my existing lens removed?**
A: No. It stays in place; the add-on lens sits in front of it between the iris and the existing lens.

**Q: How long does add-on lens surgery take?**
A: About 15-20 minutes per eye under anaesthetic drops; home the same day, first check-up the next day.

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## References
- Polypseudophakia: from "Piggyback" to supplementary sulcus-fixated IOLs, Khoramnia et al., Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol
- AddOn Sulcus IOL for Pseudophakic Eyes, 1stQ
- Intraocular Lenses (IOL) for Cataract Surgery, AAO