Are you afraid of eye lens replacement surgery? Let's learn the details!

Do you also feel that your vision is getting a little blurry as you get older? Or are you tired of wearing glasses? Maybe your doctor has told you that you need to have your lens replaced. Many people get a little scared when they hear this, thinking, "What will happen to your eyes?" But it's actually not as scary as you think. This is a very common surgery that is performed very successfully all over the world. Today, let's talk about what this eye lens replacement surgery is, how it is done, and what happens after it, all in simple terms.

What does it really mean to change the lens of the eye?

Simply put, this involves removing the natural lens inside your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. It's like changing the lens on a camera.

Inside our eyes, behind the cornea, there is a natural lens . This is very clear and transparent. The main function of this lens is to focus the light coming from the objects we see onto the retina inside the eye, providing clear vision.

But sometimes, problems can arise with this natural lens. In such cases, an eye surgeon removes your natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens (Intraocular Lens - IOL) . These artificial lenses are made of harmless materials such as acrylic or silicone. They focus light just like the natural lens and help you see the world clearly.

There are generally two main types of surgeries that replace the lens of this eye.

• Cataract Surgery
• Refractive Lens Exchange (Refractive Lens Exchange)

Let's now look at these two separately.

Cataract Surgery

This is the most common surgery we have all heard of. As we age, usually after the age of 40, the clear natural lens in our eyes gradually starts to cloud over and become milky . This is what we call a cataract . It's like a clear glass that fogs up over time.

When this cataract starts to form, things become blurry, colors are not seen clearly, and it becomes difficult to drive at night. So when it starts to interfere with your daily activities, the doctor will recommend removing this cloudy lens and inserting a new, clear artificial lens. This is called cataract surgery.

Refractive Lens Exchange

This is a little different. In this surgery, your natural lens is not removed because it is cloudy. Here, your natural lens is clear . But the surgery is done to correct your refractive errors , which means you can't see far or near.

Simply put, this is a surgery to get rid of glasses or contact lenses. This can be a good option for those who cannot undergo vision correction surgeries like LASIK or PRK.

What are the types of intraocular lenses (IOLs)?

Now you may be wondering, "Is the same lens for everyone?" No, it's not. There are several types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) that you can choose from depending on your needs, eye condition, and lifestyle. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. There are three main types of lenses.

1. Monofocal Lenses: These are the most commonly used, common type of lenses. These lenses can provide clear vision at only one distance. Doctors usually adjust these lenses so that you can see clearly at a distance . This means that you can see things at a distance (like watching TV or driving) clearly without glasses, but you will have to wear glasses for close-up work (like reading a book or using your phone) .

2. Multifocal Lenses: These are like bifocal lenses. These lenses provide clear vision at both distance and near . Therefore, in most cases, you can get rid of glasses completely by wearing these lenses. However, they are a little more expensive than monofocal lenses. Some people may experience side effects such as glare around lights at night.

3. Toric Lenses: These are specially designed for people with a vision problem called astigmatism . Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea of ​​the eye is not perfectly round, but rather elongated, like a rugby ball. This can cause blurred vision. So if you have cataracts and astigmatism, getting a toric lens can help correct both problems at once.

How do I know if this surgery is right for me?

There are several factors that go into deciding whether this surgery is right for you. You don't have to make this decision alone, your doctor will consider all of these factors and advise you.

• The health of your eyes: It is important to know if you have other eye diseases (such as glaucoma).
• The clarity of your vision: How much your vision has deteriorated and how it affects your daily life.
• Your overall health: Whether you have other diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and whether they are under control.
• your age.

After considering all of this, the doctor will explain to you the benefits of the surgery and the possible minor risks.

How is the surgery done? Should I be afraid?

This is where many people get scared. But there's really no reason to be scared. This surgery is very quick, usually completed in 15 to 30 minutes .

You won't feel any pain during the surgery. This is because eye drops will be applied to your eyes before the surgery begins. You will also be given a medicine to reduce your anxiety and stress. This will help you relax.

After the surgery, the medical team will monitor you for a few hours and then send you home. But remember, you won't be able to drive that day . So it's essential to have someone to take you home. It's normal for your vision to be a little blurry right after the surgery.

This is a minimally invasive surgery . The doctor performs the entire surgery through a very small incision in the eye . The incision is so small that it heals on its own , and stitches are not required .

What happens during surgery step by step

This process is called phacoemulsification . Although the name may sound a bit complicated, the rest is very simple.

1. First, the doctor inserts a small instrument into the eye through that small incision.

2. Then, using laser beams or high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound), your cloudy natural lens is broken into very small pieces and dissolved.

3. Next, the dissolved lens fragments are carefully pulled out with a device like a vacuum cleaner.

4. Now the place where the natural lens was is empty. In that empty place, through that same small incision, the folded artificial lens `(IOL)` is inserted. Once inside the eye, it automatically expands and settles into place.

That's all. This is the same process that occurs in cataract surgery and vision correction surgery. The only difference is that in cataract surgery, a cloudy lens is removed, while in the other, a clear lens is removed.

How long does it take to recover after surgery?

It can take up to eight weeks for your eye to fully heal. But that doesn't mean you have to stay in bed for eight weeks. You can resume most of your normal activities within a few days of surgery.

Your doctor will give you several types of eye drops to use. It is very important to put them in your eyes exactly as prescribed, at the right time. You should also be careful not to get water or dust in your eyes. It is not good to rub your eyes. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when you can drive or do heavy work again.

How safe is this surgery? What are the risks?

As with any surgery, there are very small risks. But in fact, cataract surgery is a very safe procedure . Research has found that 98% of people who have cataract surgery do not experience any serious complications .

There are a few very rare complications that can occur, most of which can be easily treated and cured by doctors.

• Bleeding inside the eye
• Having an infection
• Inflammation (swelling, redness)
• Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
• Posterior Capsular Opacification - This is also called "secondary cataract". This can be corrected in a few minutes with laser treatment.
• Retinal Detachment
• Loss of vision (this is very rare )

It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk based on the condition of your eyes and other medical conditions.

How long will this new contact lens last?

Here's the good news! This artificial lens (IOL) that you put in your eye is designed to last your entire life . It's permanent. You don't need to replace it again and again.

However, in rare cases, some people may need to replace their lenses. For example:

• If there is any complication with the inserted lens.
• If you can't tolerate the side effects of some types of lenses, such as glare.
• If you need a lens of a different power to make your vision clearer.

How much does this cost?

The cost of this surgery varies depending on several factors.

• Reason for surgery: If you are having surgery for cataracts, most health insurance plans will cover it. However, if you are having it done to correct your vision (Refractive Lens Exchange), some insurance plans may not cover it.
• The type of lens (IOL) you choose: Insurance usually only covers the cost of basic monofocal lenses. If you choose a "premium" lens, such as multifocal or toric, you may have to pay extra for it.

Therefore, it is very important to talk to your doctor and your insurance company about the costs involved before scheduling your surgery.

Cataract surgery is a very successful procedure that can change your life, clear your vision, and help you get rid of glasses. There is nothing to be afraid of. The most important thing is to discuss all your questions and fears with your doctor, be informed about everything, and face the surgery with a calm mind.