Lens replacement

A lens replacement is a medical procedure whereby the natural ocular lens, which loses its accommodation capacity over time, is replaced by an advanced artificial lens. Discover how lens replacement offers an effective solution for age-related changes in vision and other eye problems.

As you age, the elasticity or accommodation capacity of your ocular lens decreases. This causes your vision, both near and far, to deteriorate. When the lens is replaced, your own natural lens is replaced by a very advanced artificial lens, or implant lens. This will enable your eye to see clearly again from far, medium distance, and nearby. The impact of this treatment is permanent as the implant lens has a permanent reading correction that will not change over time. In 90% of the cases, our patients no longer need glasses after treatment. In 10% of the cases, glasses may still be needed either for near or far vision. Only exceptionally are glasses still regularly needed.

Lens replacement with laser

Since the summer of 2012, we are the first in Belgium to be able to perform a lens replacement at our eye centre without needing to make any incision. A lens replacement with laser offers more precision, as a result of which the lens implant can be placed even more precisely in the perfect spot. The laser is also much easier on the retina and the inside of the cornea. Greater precision and reliability also have much less likelihood of side effects.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss with you what the most suitable lens is (see below) as well as the best treatment method (with or without laser).

Depending on your preferences and your life and work situation, we will determine which lens is best suited to you. Our doctors have experience with monofocal (sharp vision at one particular distance) and multifocal (sharp vision at various distances) lenses, as well as with the technique of ‘monovision’ (one lens for near and one for far vision). After the intake exam, we will determine the most suitable option for you.

When are you eligible for lens replacement?

To be eligible for a lens replacement as an alternative to glasses or contact lenses, you must be at least 45 years old.

Recent intake examination

The intake exam used as the basis for your treatment may not have been carried out more than half a year ago.

We’re happy to help!

Your vision, your comfort, your happiness: this is what we care about at Oogcentrum Medipolis. Our experienced team is ready to help you and answer all your questions.

Are you not sure if you are eligible for a lens replacement ? Then schedule a free, non-binding eye scan with our optometrist that will only take 30 minutes of your time.

Start your process towards a life without glasses today, and schedule an extensive pre-operative exam and an initial conversation to get to know you (+/- 2 hours), so that together we can determine the best solution for you.

After your intake exam, the lenses will be custom-made for your eyes.
One day before the procedure, you will need to apply some preparatory eye drops at home.
When you arrive at our centre, we start with a few administrative tasks. Next, you will get some eye drops in order to dilate your pupil. This takes about 45 minutes, providing the ideal opportunity to relax with a book or a cool drink.
Once your pupils are sufficiently dilated, we will accompany you to the operating room. There, your eyes will be anaesthetised with drops and carefully disinfected.
While you lie back comfortably, we make a small incision in your cornea, with or without a laser. We then replace your natural lens with an artificial lens at the perfect place in your lens capsular bag.
The procedure takes around fifteen minutes per eye and is nearly painless. After the procedure, you can go straight home, but you do need someone to accompany you.

The price of a lens replacement varies, depending on various individual factors. We consider it important to make a personal price calculation for each patient. For an overview of our fees, please go to the fees page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lens replacement and what are the benefits of lens replacement surgery?

During lens replacement surgery, your natural eye lens is replaced with an artificial lens that restores clear vision for distance, intermediate, and/or near vision, depending on the type of implant lens selected. The benefits of lens replacement surgery are that the results are permanent and that you will no longer need glasses for most of your daily activities. The procedure takes approximately fifteen minutes per eye and is completely painless.

How much does lens replacement cost?

The cost of lens replacement depends on the type of artificial lens used, such as a standard lens, comfort lens, or multifocal lens. The cost of your new lens will be discussed during the pre-operative examination. Health insurance funds and most hospitalization insurance policies partially or fully reimburse the treatment when it is performed in an accredited eye care center.

What is the recovery time after lens replacement surgery and what does recovery involve?

One day after lens replacement surgery, your visual acuity is usually already restored to at least 80%. Recovery is generally quick: you can read, watch television, and perform light activities. For two weeks, you should avoid rubbing your eyes and refrain from wearing eye make-up. Swimming and contact sports should be avoided for one month.

What are the disadvantages of lens replacement and can blurry vision occur after lens replacement surgery?

Yes, blurry vision can occur after lens replacement surgery if a secondary cataract develops. This is a clouding of the lens capsule that may occur months or even years after the procedure. It can be easily treated with a YAG laser procedure. Another possible drawback is that some multifocal lenses may cause halos or glare around lights during the first few months after surgery. For reading very small text, reading glasses may still occasionally be required.