Cataract: Secondary Lens Implant

What is a secondary lens implant surgery?

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 colored part of the eye. For some people, the lens gets cloudier over time and causes vision problems.

Usually the 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.

When is it used?

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 distortion or magnification like cataract glasses do. In fact, lens implants often provide good distance vision even without glasses. However, most people still need reading glasses.

Instead of this procedure, you might be able to wear glasses or contact lenses. You may choose not to have treatment. Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

• Your eye will be measured so that a proper lens implant can be chosen.
• Plan for your care and a ride home after the procedure.
• Some medicines (like aspirin) may increase your risk of bleeding during or after the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure, depending on what they are and when you need to take them. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take.
• Do not wear eye makeup on the day of the surgery.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

You will be given a sedative to relax you. Sometimes your provider will give you a shot to completely numb the eye. Eyedrops or numbing gel can sometimes be used instead of the shot.

Using a special microscope, your provider makes a small cut in the white part of your eye under your eyelid. Then your provider puts in the lens implant. The implant may need to be sewn (with small stitches) to the sclera or to the iris (colored part of the eye). The provider will also close the incision with a few stitches and put a patch over your eye.

What happens after the procedure?

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 eyedrops that you will need to use.

It may take several weeks for your vision to become clear.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• how long it will take to recover
• what activities you should avoid
• how to take care of yourself at home and when you can return to your normal activities
• what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and any risks. Some possible risks include:

• severe, permanent vision loss caused by serious bleeding or infection
• temporary high eye pressure
• the lens implant shifts out of place
• retinal tear or detachment

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.