Can anyone have lens replacement?

Lens replacement surgery offers the chance to see clearly—often without glasses—for the long term. But it’s not suitable for everyone.

If you’ve been wondering whether you could have this procedure, this blog will help you understand who it’s for, who it might not be for, and how to find out if you're a good candidate.

What is lens replacement surgery?

Lens replacement—also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE)—is a procedure where the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL).

It corrects vision problems such as:

• Long-sightedness
• Short-sightedness
• Presbyopia (age-related difficulty reading)
• Astigmatism

It’s similar to cataract surgery but done before cataracts develop.

Who is lens replacement for?

This procedure is generally best for people who:

• Are over 50
• Are tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses
• Have age-related vision changes, like struggling to read small print
• Want a long-term solution that also prevents cataracts
• Are not suitable for laser eye surgery (like LASIK or PRK)

What about age?

There’s no strict age limit, but it’s not commonly performed in people under 50 unless they have specific conditions.

Why? Because younger people often still have flexible, healthy natural lenses that can focus at different distances. Once you remove the natural lens, that natural focusing ability is gone.

So, for most people, lens replacement becomes a good option from around age 50 and up—especially when reading glasses become necessary.

What are the medical requirements?

To be considered for lens replacement, your eyes need to be healthy overall. Things your surgeon will look at include:

• Your prescription
• Your corneal health
• Your retina and optic nerve
• The shape and depth of your eye

Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or corneal disease don’t always rule you out—but they do require careful consideration.

Who might not be suitable?

You may not be suitable for lens replacement if:

• You're under 50 with a healthy natural lens
• You have untreated eye disease that affects vision quality
• You have a history of severe dry eye
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding

Even if you’re not a candidate for lens replacement, there may be other treatments that suit your needs.

What about high prescriptions?

Lens replacement is a good choice for people with:

• High long- or short-sightedness
• High astigmatism
• Significant age-related vision changes

In fact, people with higher prescriptions often see some of the biggest benefits from the procedure.

How do I know for sure?

The only way to know if you’re a candidate is through a detailed eye exam and consultation. At Mitry Vision, we use advanced imaging technology to assess your eyes and match you with the best solution for your vision.

Take our quick self-test to find out if lens replacement could be right for you.