Is lens replacement surgery safe?

When considering vision correction surgery, one of the most common questions patients ask is: “Is lens replacement surgery safe?” This is a valid concern, as any medical procedure carries some level of risk. However, lens replacement surgery—also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE)—has been performed safely for decades, offering life-changing vision improvements for countless patients.

In this blog, we’ll explore the safety of lens replacement surgery, the risks involved, and why this procedure remains one of the most effective long-term solutions for vision correction.

Understanding Lens Replacement Surgery

Lens replacement surgery is a highly advanced, medically approved procedure that involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This treatment is often used for patients with presbyopia, high hyperopia (farsightedness), or those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

It is essentially the same procedure as cataract surgery, one of the most commonly performed and safest operations worldwide. The key difference is that cataract surgery is performed when the lens becomes cloudy, whereas lens replacement surgery is done electively to improve vision before cataracts develop.

How Safe Is Lens Replacement Surgery?

Lens replacement surgery is considered very safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. It has been refined over decades and is backed by extensive clinical studies. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, meaning it is painless and low-risk.

A few reasons why lens replacement surgery is regarded as one of the safest elective procedures include:

• Proven track record – Millions of successful surgeries performed globally.
• Quick recovery – Most patients experience improved vision within a few days.
• Advanced technology – Modern surgical techniques and premium IOLs enhance safety and precision.
• No risk of cataracts – Since the natural lens is replaced, cataracts cannot develop in the future.

Are There Any Risks?

As with any surgery, there are potential risks. However, serious complications are extremely rare. Some possible risks include:

• Dry eyes – Temporary dryness and irritation can occur but usually resolves within weeks.
• Glare and halos – Some patients notice glare or halos around lights, especially at night, though this often improves over time.
• Infection or inflammation – Very rare due to strict sterilisation and post-operative care.
• Retinal detachment – Extremely uncommon, primarily in high myopia (short-sighted) patients, but monitored carefully.
• Residual refractive error – In rare cases, additional correction (e.g., laser touch-up) may be needed.

These risks are minimised when an experienced surgeon, such as Dr Danny Mitry, performs the procedure and proper aftercare instructions are followed.

Who Is Lens Replacement Surgery Best For?

Lens replacement surgery is an excellent choice for:

• Individuals over 40-45 with presbyopia who want to eliminate reading glasses.
• Patients with high hyperopia (long-sightedness) that LASIK or PRK cannot correct.
• Those wanting permanent vision correction without future cataract surgery.
• Individuals with early-stage cataracts who want to proactively improve their vision.

Lens replacement surgery is a safe, effective, and long-term vision correction solution. While all surgeries carry some risk, the vast majority of patients achieve excellent results with minimal complications. If you’re considering lens replacement surgery and want to know if it’s right for you, take our suitability test today to find out more.