Another method that can be preferred as an alternative to laser eye surgery in common refractive errors is permanent intraocular lens application. It is an operation performed by placing a permanent lens into the eye with a short and simple operation. The most curious question about intraocular implants, which are commonly used as ‘permanent lens’, is the question of whether the permanent intraocular lens can be replaced. Let’s answer this curious question.
Can Permanent Intraocular Lens Be Replaced or Removed Later?
Let’s say at the beginning what we will say at the end. It is possible to remove and replace intraocular lenses. But in most cases this process is not necessary. Let’s list the situations where the lens should be removed or replaced immediately below.
Eye Number Changes: When adjusting the lenses for the permanent eye, a personalised adjustment is made. Lenses adjusted according to the person’s eye number provide vision correction. With major changes that may occur in the eye number over time, it may be necessary to change the lenses to increase vision. In this case, the old lenses are removed and replaced by a new one with a surgical operation.
Various Complications: If an unexpected complication occurs after IOL placement, the intraocular lens can be removed. In this case, it may be decided to replace or completely remove the intraocular lens.
Posterior Capsule Opacification: In some cases, thickening may occur at the back of the IOL. In this case, which is called capsule opacification, it may cause symptoms similar to cataract disease. In such a case, the IOL may be considered to be removed from the eye.
As you can see, it can be decided to remove intraocular lenses in different scenarios. The doctor’s assessment and examination is very important here. A detailed examination is essential before making a decision.