Smart lens surgery in Turkey

What smart lens surgery is

'Smart lens' is a popular name for a multifocal or trifocal intraocular lens (IOL). During surgery the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial one that is designed to give useful vision at more than one distance, for example near, intermediate and far, so that you may depend less on glasses. The operation is similar to cataract surgery: the surgeon makes a small opening in the front of the eye, breaks up the natural lens with ultrasound, removes it and places the new lens.

Cataracts and presbyopia

Two common reasons people look into it:

• Cataract: the natural lens has become cloudy, and replacing it restores clearer vision. A lens that works at several distances is one of the choices.
• Presbyopia: from middle age, the natural lens loses its ability to focus on close objects, and many people need reading glasses. Some choose lens replacement, called refractive lens exchange, to reduce this. Because it removes a clear natural lens and cannot simply be reversed, the benefits and risks need careful thought and an honest conversation with the eye doctor.

Who it may suit

A multifocal or trifocal lens may suit people who want to depend less on glasses, whose eyes are otherwise healthy and who understand the trade-offs. It may not suit people with certain eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease or irregular astigmatism, or people who do a lot of night driving or work that needs very sharp contrast. Only an eye doctor who examines you can say which lens, if any, is right. Be wary of any provider who recommends a lens without a full examination and measurements.

Benefits and trade-offs

Many people need glasses less after multifocal lens surgery, but nobody can promise to be glasses-free. The trade-offs are real. Multifocal lenses can cause glare, halos around lights and reduced contrast sensitivity, particularly in dim light. Most people adapt over time, but some find the effects bothersome and need further treatment, including, occasionally, replacing the lens. Ask the doctor about the effects, how common they are in their patients and what they would do if you were unhappy.

What happens

• Before: a full eye examination and measurements, a conversation about your goals and an agreed choice of lens.
• The operation: usually under local anaesthetic given as drops, an injection or both. You stay awake but should not feel pain. The NHS says cataract surgery usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, and you can usually go home the same day, but you should not drive yourself.
• Both eyes: the NHS notes that both eyes are treated on separate days, so ask your doctor how that works with your travel.
• Afterwards: blurred vision for a few hours is common, the eye may be sore for a few days and vision can take several days to improve. Eye drops are typically needed for about four weeks, and an eye shield may be needed at night.

Risks

Serious complications are rare. The NHS lists vision changes, a detached retina, infection, bleeding, inflammation and problems with the position of the lens. Vision can cloud months or years later (posterior capsule opacification), which is usually treatable. Get urgent medical help if you have sudden floaters, flashes of light, a shadow across your vision or sudden blurring. Do not drive until your vision is back to normal, and follow your doctor's instructions on lifting, swimming, eye make-up and getting water in the eye.

Planning the trip

Ask your doctor in writing how many days to stay, when the check-up takes place, whether one or both eyes are treated in one trip and what follow-up you can get at home. Arrange for someone to travel with you, because you should not drive yourself home and your vision may be blurry at first. Keep your operation notes and lens details, and tell your own eye doctor at home what was done.

Who treats you

An eye surgeon, an ophthalmologist, performs the operation. The doctor's card on this page shows who will treat you. &NewMe checks the doctor's registration, and you should still ask about their experience with multifocal lenses, the lens brand and what follow-up is included. See how we verify providers.

Price

Prices depend on the lens and your eyes. You receive a free written quote within 24 hours, confirmed with the doctor, with no fee from &NewMe. Ask what is included. Get a free quote.

Sources

• NHS: cataract surgery: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery/
• Trade and clinical literature on multifocal lens trade-offs (glare, halos, contrast sensitivity); check the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and American Academy of Ophthalmology patient pages for guidance.

Treatment is performed by independent licensed providers. Results vary, every operation has risks, and only a doctor who has examined you can say what is right for you.