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KEY POINTS
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A lens implant is a small, plastic lens that an eye provider can put in your eye to replace a lens that has been removed because of a cataract. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. The lens is located inside the eye behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). It helps focus light and images on the retina, the lining of the back of your eye, so that you can see clearly. If the lens gets cloudy, it can cause trouble seeing. The lens gets cloudier over time and causes vision problems for some people.
Usually a plastic lens is implanted during surgery to remove the cataract. A secondary lens implant is one that is done in a separate surgery after cataract surgery. In the past, cataract surgery did not routinely involve replacing the eye's cloudy lens with a plastic one. After the eye's lens was removed, people had to use contact lenses or glasses with thick lenses to replace it. Now, a plastic lens can be implanted into the eye, even years after a cataract was removed.
Sometimes after an injury or complex surgery, your provider may not be able to safely place a plastic lens in your eye during the first surgery. In this case, you may be able to have another operation to implant a lens at a later date, once your eye heals.
Secondary lens implants may be used to improve vision for people who no longer want to wear thick glasses or contact lenses after surgery to remove a cataract. Implanted lenses have several advantages. They do not have to be put in and taken out like contact lenses do. They do not cause as much distortion or magnification as cataract glasses do. In fact, lens implants often provide good distance vision even without glasses. However, most people still need reading glasses.
Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.
You will be given a sedative to relax you. Sometimes your provider will give you a shot to completely numb the eye. Eye drops or numbing gel can sometimes be used instead of the shot.
Using a special microscope, your provider makes a small cut in the clear part of your eye. Then your provider will put an artificial lens in your eye. The provider may put one or more stitches in your eye to close the cut. You will have a patch or protective shield over the eye.
You will be in the recovery area for about an hour after surgery or until you are ready to go home. You should rest at home for the rest of the day. To protect your eye from injury, cover the eye at all times with sunglasses, glasses, or a special eye shield while your eye is healing
Your provider will see you the next day to examine your eye. He or she will go over the instructions for the eye drops that you will need to use.
It may take several weeks for your vision to become clear.
Ask your healthcare provider:
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.
Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:
Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.