During Intraocular lens exchange, the surgeon carefully removes the original intraocular lens (IOL) and replaces it with a new one. Depending on your eye condition and support structures, the new lens may be placed in the capsular bag, ciliary sulcus, or secured with scleral sutures or iris fixation. The goal is to restore your vision while improving comfort and stability. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, typically as a day case.

Advantages of Intraocular lens exchange include the opportunity to correct refractive errors, visual disturbances, or dislocated lenses. It can restore sharp, comfortable vision and often reduces dependence on glasses. In skilled hands, it is a safe and effective procedure.

Disadvantages include a slightly higher risk profile than first-time lens surgery, due to scarring or tissue changes from previous operations. It is a technically demanding procedure, requiring an experienced surgeon. Some patients may still need glasses for certain tasks, and not all complex eye problems can be fully corrected with lens exchange alone.

As with any eye surgery, intraocular lens exchange carries risks. These include cystoid macular oedema (CME), corneal oedema, increased eye pressure, lens tilt or dislocation, inflammation, or rare complications like retinal detachment. The risk profile depends on the complexity of your case and the surgical technique used. In a recent study, over 75% of eyes achieved good visual outcomes with low complication rates, especially when surgery was performed by highly experienced consultants. Careful pre-operative planning and expert surgical care help minimise these risks and optimise your results.

Alternatives to intraocular lens exchange include spectacles or contact lenses to manage residual refractive error. In cases of dislocated or damaged lenses, options include IOL repositioning or the use of scleral-fixated lenses, anterior chamber lenses, or iris-sutured lenses. Each approach has advantages and limitations based on your eye’s anatomy and history. Your surgeon will explain all available options and guide you in choosing the safest and most effective solution for your personal needs.

Your journey begins with a detailed consultation and advanced imaging.

On surgery day, local anaesthesia ensures comfort. The surgeon makes a small incision and carefully removes the existing intraocular lens, using special instruments to minimise trauma.

The new lens is then inserted and secured in the optimal position—within the capsular bag, sulcus, or sutured if required.
The incision is closed, and you’ll go home the same day.

Follow-up visits monitor healing and visual progress. Most patients experience noticeable visual improvement within days to weeks of surgery.

Intraocular lens exchange delivers excellent outcomes when performed by a skilled surgeon. In recent clinical studies, over 75% of patients achieved visual results within one dioptre of their refractive target. Many reported sharper, more stable vision and relief from symptoms such as glare, halos, or lens instability. Long-term results depend on your overall eye health and the reason for the exchange. While glasses may still be needed for certain tasks, most patients enjoy a significant improvement in their vision and quality of life following lens exchange surgery.