What is a Smart Lens? What Does a Smart Lens Do?

Smart lens surgery is an increasingly common advanced surgical method that permanently solves eye problems such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and cataracts in a single session.

What is smart lens surgery?

Smart lens surgery (medically known as Phakic or Pseudophakic Intraocular Lens implantation) is an advanced eye surgery procedure in which a high-tech artificial lens is placed in stead of the eye’s natural lens. Unlike laser eye surgery, the corneal tissue is not cut in this method; instead, a specially calculated lens is implanted into the eye.

Preferred especially for individuals who have high-prescription glasses, are not suitable for laser surgery due to insufficient corneal thickness, or experience presbyopia (loss of near vision) over the age of 40, smart lens surgery has been applied to millions of people worldwide in recent years.

Who is smart lens surgery applied to?

Smart lens surgery is frequently preferred in the following cases:

• Cases of high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism that are not suitable for laser surgery
• Patients with thin corneas
• Individuals who develop presbyopia (need for reading glasses) at age 45 and over
• People with cataracts
• Adults who do not want to use glasses or contact lenses and are looking for a permanent solution
• Individuals experiencing night vision problems

A detailed eye examination is mandatory for suitability for surgery. Your ophthalmologist determines the most suitable lens type for you by applying tests such as anterior segment analysis, corneal topography, and biometry measurements.

What are the types of smart lenses?

Various lens technologies are used in smart lens surgery. Each lens has its own unique advantages, and the choice is made according to the person’s eye structure and lifestyle:

1. Monofocal Lenses

Monofocal lenses, which have a single focal point, are generally adjusted for distance vision. While patients can see clearly at a distance with these lenses, they may need reading glasses for near distances. However, with the advancement of technology, enhanced monofocal lenses (EDOF – Extended Depth of Focus) offer a wider range of vision at intermediate and far distances.

2. Multifokal Lenses

Multifocal lenses, which have more than one focal point, provide the ability to see both far and near distances without the need for glasses. They are frequently preferred in presbyopia patients. The vast majority of patients can easily continue their daily lives without glasses after a multifocal lens.

3. Toric Lenses

Toric lenses, specifically designed for patients with astigmatism problems, provide clear and sharp vision by compensating for the irregular curvature problem of the cornea. Both monofocal and multifocal toric lens options are available.

4. Trifocal (Triple Focus) Lenses

Trifocal lenses, one of the most up-to-date technologies, optimize near, intermediate, and far distance vision with a single lens. It is an ideal solution especially for those who work at a computer and individuals with an active lifestyle.

How is smart lens surgery performed?

Smart lens surgery is performed under local anesthesia in a sterile operating room environment and takes an average of 15-20 minutes. The surgical process generally consists of the following stages:

• The eye is numbed by applying drop anesthesia.
• A micro-incision of 2-3 mm is opened at the edge of the cornea.
• The natural eye lens is fragmented and aspirated with ultrasonic vibrations (phacoemulsification method).
• The specially calculated smart lens is placed through the incision in a folded state and unfolds inside the eye.
• The incision closes on its own without requiring stitches.
• The entire process allows returning to walking and daily life within a few hours.

Modern smart lens surgeries can also be supported by femtosecond laser technology. In this way, the incision and lens fragmentation stages are performed more precisely, preventing human error.

Advantages of Smart Lens Surgery

• Permanence: A correctly applied smart lens can be used for a lifetime.
• Wide range of patients: It can also be applied to high-prescription patients who are not suitable for laser.
• Fast recovery: Most patients achieve functional vision within 1-2 days after surgery.
• Ending dependence on glasses: With multifocal lenses, vision without glasses is possible in most activities, including reading.
• Cataract prevention: Since an artificial lens is placed instead of the natural lens, the risk of developing cataracts in later ages is eliminated.
• High patient satisfaction: Clinical studies show that smart lens patients report 95% and above satisfaction.

Points to Consider After Smart Lens Surgery

The recovery process after surgery is quite fast; however, following certain rules is of great importance for long-term success:

• Avoid touching and rubbing the eye for the first week.
• Go to regular follow-up examinations (1st day, 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month after surgery).
• Use the eye drops prescribed by the doctor completely.
• Do not enter water sources such as pools, the sea, or lakes for the first 2 weeks.
• Avoid heavy physical activities and impact to the eye.
• Protect your eyes from UV rays by using sunglasses.
• Keep eye-straining activities such as night driving or long hours at the computer limited in the first weeks.

Risks and Possible Complications of Smart Lens Surgery

As with every surgical procedure, smart lens surgery has certain risks. However, these risks are minimized with an experienced surgeon and appropriate patient selection:

• Posterior capsule opacification (blurring formed behind the lens – can be easily treated with laser)
• Increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma)
• Retinal detachment (very rare)
• Infection (endophthalmitis – extremely rare)
• Halo and glare effects (can be seen especially in multifocal lenses during night driving, decreases over time)

Most of these risks can be minimized with the experience of the surgeon and a comprehensive pre-operative examination.

Smart Lens Surgery Prices

Smart lens surgery prices vary according to the lens brand and type used, the location of the hospital, the experience of the surgeon, and the use of additional technology (e.g., femtosecond laser support).