Will I feel the lens in my eye after lens replacement surgery?

If you’re thinking about lens replacement surgery, one of your biggest questions might be: “Will I feel the lens in my eye afterwards?”

It’s a completely natural concern. After all, the idea of placing something inside the eye sounds like it might be noticeable or uncomfortable. But here’s the good news: you won’t feel the lens at all.

In this blog, we’ll explain what happens during lens replacement surgery, how the lens works in the eye, and what you can expect during and after recovery.

What is lens replacement surgery?

Lens replacement, also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE), is a procedure that removes the natural lens inside your eye and replaces it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

This lens is designed to:

• Correct your vision
• Eliminate the need for reading glasses or varifocals
• Prevent cataracts later in life.

It is the same type of procedure used in cataract surgery, but done electively to improve quality of life.

What is the artificial lens made of?

The intraocular lens is made of a soft, flexible material such as acrylic or silicone. It’s completely safe, biocompatible, and designed to sit securely inside your eye without moving.

Once implanted, it becomes a natural part of your eye structure. It’s not like a contact lens that you place on the surface. This lens is inside the eye, behind the iris (the coloured part), where your natural lens used to be.

Will I feel it in my eye?

No, you won’t feel the lens inside your eye. Most patients say they forget it’s even there.

Here’s why:

• The lens is placed deep inside the eye, away from pain or touch receptors.
• It doesn’t move or rub against any sensitive tissue.
• It’s very light and thin—so light you wouldn’t feel it even if it weren’t inside the eye.

Some people may feel mild irritation in the first few days after surgery, but this is due to the healing process, not the lens itself.

What might I feel after surgery?

In the first 24 to 48 hours, you might notice:

• A gritty or dry feeling
• Mild scratchiness
• Sensitivity to light
• Slight blurring while your eye adjusts.

These symptoms are common and usually settle within a few days. You’ll be given eye drops to help with healing and comfort.

Will I be aware of the lens when I blink or move my eyes?

No. The artificial lens is placed behind your iris, so it doesn’t interact with your eyelid or surface of the eye. Blinking, moving your eyes, and sleeping feel completely normal.

You won’t see the lens either, unless you’ve chosen a specific type that may cause mild visual effects like halos or glare in low light (usually with multifocal lenses). Even then, most people adapt well and don’t notice it in daily life.

Can the lens move or come out?

Very rarely. The lens is securely held in place by the natural capsule that surrounded your old lens. It stays centred and stable. If movement does occur (in extremely rare cases), it can be corrected with a simple procedure.

How long will it last?

The artificial lens is designed to last for life. It doesn’t wear out or break down. Once it’s in, you won’t need to replace it.

Can I feel the lens if I rub my eye?

No. Rubbing your eye won’t let you feel the lens, because it’s too deep inside. However, we advise avoiding rubbing your eyes for a few weeks after surgery to protect your healing eye and reduce the risk of infection.

Will others see it in my eye?

No. In most cases, the artificial lens is invisible to others. It sits behind the iris and doesn’t change how your eye looks.

What if I have dry eyes?

Dry eye can sometimes cause discomfort after surgery, but this is unrelated to the lens itself. Dryness can make your eyes feel irritated or watery, but this is usually temporary and treatable.

Final thoughts

The idea of having a lens inside your eye can sound strange at first. But the reality is far more reassuring. Once the healing process is complete, most people forget the lens is even there.

You won’t feel it, you won’t see it, and you’ll simply enjoy the benefits of sharper, clearer vision without relying on glasses.

Take our free self-test to see if lens replacement could be right for you.