Have you ever heard of the process of implanting lenses to treat vision defects, commonly known as permanent lens implantation? Are you interested in learning the details of this procedure, when it is used, and what its results are?
If you answered yes to these questions, you are in the right place. At Dr. Ahmed El-Naggar Eye Clinic and Surgery Center, we have dedicated this article to discuss the process of lens implantation for correcting vision problems, starting with its definition and steps, moving on to the types of lenses used, their advantages and disadvantages, and ending with the most frequently asked questions about this procedure and their trusted medical answers. Follow along with us until the end to find out the most important information about this topic from all aspects…
What is Lens Implantation?
Most vision problems are attributed to damage and injury to the eye’s lens, negatively affecting the quality of vision. Therefore, alternative lenses have been developed to help correct vision defects significantly. Similar to the principle of contact lenses, these lenses are permanent and cannot be removed like the previous type. This is because they have the ability to biologically integrate with the human body’s tissues and can remain inside the eye for many years, often throughout one’s life. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the lenses to be implanted inside the eye is the quality, composition, and source of the lens. This affects the overall cost of the procedure and the final results of vision.
This procedure is known as the radical therapeutic solution for refractive vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and others, especially severe cases. It is resorted to when the eye does not respond to LASIK surgery.
Types of Lens Implantation Procedures for Correcting Vision Defects
The types of lens implantation procedures vary based on the location of the implant, the mechanism for correcting vision defects, and the main goal of all these procedures is to realign the light rays onto the center of the retina in a way that allows the visual nerve signals to reach the visual center in the brain via the optic nerve, resulting in the process of vision. As for the types of procedures, they are as follows:
Implanting a New Lens on the Original Eye Lens
There are two types of this procedure. In the first type, a lens is implanted in front of the original eye lens and is secured to the cornea of the eye. In the second type, an artificial lens is adhered behind the original eye lens. Both types partially rely on the original eye lens for vision and reading, while the other lens helps correct refractive issues, as mentioned earlier. This procedure is very suitable for individuals with severe nearsightedness.
Replacing the Original Eye Lens with a New Lens
There are various types of this procedure, including three main categories. The first uses monofocal lenses, the second relies on refractive lenses called “toric lenses,” and the last one uses multifocal lenses.
In this procedure, the original crystalline lens of the eye is completely removed and replaced with an alternative lens. This type of operation improves both near and distant vision without discomfort or fatigue. Therefore, it is a suitable treatment option for patients with farsightedness and individuals who have refractive vision problems along with a thin corneal thickness, which prevents them from undergoing LASIK surgery, as LASIK is not suitable for thin corneas.
What is the process of implanting lenses?

Steps in the lens implantation process
The entire process of lens implantation is limited to five basic steps, and the total duration does not exceed a few minutes. These steps are:
1. Anesthesia:
In the lens implantation procedure, the eye is locally anesthetized using eye drops, so the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.
2. Surgical Incision:
Using a surgical microscope, the surgeon makes a precise incision in the eye without using a scalpel or any cutting tool. As a result, the incision is extremely small and not visible to the naked eye.
3. Insertion of the Foldable Lens:
The lenses to be implanted are highly flexible, allowing them to be folded and controlled. The doctor retrieves the lens from a sterile solution and then inserts it into the surgical incision in a folded form. It’s worth noting that if the lens were rigid, it would obstruct the insertion process and might require a larger incision in some cases.
4. Placement of the New Lens:
Once the foldable lens is inserted into the incision, it automatically unfolds and takes its proper position within a few seconds.
5. Vision Correction:
When the lens is properly positioned between the iris and the crystalline lens, it immediately starts correcting vision problems without the need for any additional intervention.
Types of Lenses Implanted Inside the Eye:
From the previous paragraphs, you may have gathered that each type of lens implantation procedure uses a specific type of lens, and you are correct.
Every patient has their unique characteristics, and each case has its own preferences. Therefore, there are distinct types of lenses, including:
1. Lenses Implanted in Front of the Iris:
These lenses are placed in front of the natural lens and are similar to the first type of lens implantation procedures.
2. Lenses Implanted Behind the Iris:
These lenses are positioned in the posterior chamber of the eye.
3. Trifocal Lenses:
Also known as trifocal intraocular lenses, these high-quality lenses can address three different vision problems. They are often used because of their excellent performance, which rivals the natural eye lens. Trifocal lenses are capable of correcting three diverse vision issues, and they are frequently used to replace the natural eye lens without the patient even noticing the difference. One of their key advantages is compatibility with elderly patients, and they can be used starting at the age of 40, which is not the case with other artificial lenses.
Dr. Ahmed El-Naggar Eye Clinic is the best place for lens implantation surgery to treat vision defects in Egypt. We surgically implant artificial contact lenses between the cornea and the iris or directly behind the iris without removing the natural lens. These implanted lenses focus light correctly on the retina, allowing for clear vision without the need for prescription glasses.
When Does Lens Implantation Become Necessary?
There are specific cases in which an eye doctor may recommend lens implantation for a patient without hesitation and as soon as possible. Here are the key situations in which these patients fall:
- Individuals with high degrees of refractive vision problems who have thin corneas that are unsuitable for LASIK surgery.
- Patients with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness. For nearsightedness, the severity exceeds 5 diopters, and for farsightedness, it exceeds -8 diopters.
- Patients with keratoconus, where the shape of the cornea has changed to a cone shape with a decrease in the central thickness of the cornea.
- Those affected by advanced cataracts or complicated cataracts.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Lens Implantation
Every medical procedure comes with numerous advantages and, on the flip side, some disadvantages. The same holds true when discussing lens implantation for correcting vision problems. What are the main pros and cons associated with this procedure, and does this serve as a cautionary note for prospective patients? Let’s find out in the following lines.
Advantages of Lens Implantation:
- No Sensation of Foreign Object: Patients do not feel the presence of the lens in their eyes. If you’ve ever used contact lenses, whether prescription or cosmetic, you are aware of the discomfort of having a foreign object in your eye, causing blurriness, heaviness, and dryness. However, these permanent lenses are molecularly lightweight to a great extent, making you completely forget their presence.
- High Transparency: The lenses are highly transparent, dispelling any rumors about them changing the eye color. They are transparent to the extent that they are not noticeable to others, even when people are up close. This feature is essential for allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina.
- Tremendous Corrective Capability: These lenses have a remarkable corrective ability. They can address refractive vision disorders extensively, ranging from -20 to +20 diopters.
- Self-Moisturizing: These lenses have self-moisturizing properties, which means they do not dry out like contact lenses, making them designed to stay inside the eye for decades without any issues. Therefore, patients do not need artificial tears or moisturizing drops after the procedure.
- No Need for Replacement: These lenses do not degrade or get damaged over time, so there’s no need for replacement.
- Minimal to No Pain: During the procedure, patients do not feel any pain, and after the anesthesia wears off, they might experience mild discomfort. It’s a simple, short, and very safe procedure.
- Stable: The stability of these lenses makes them resistant to various external conditions. There is no fear of the lens moving or shifting.
Risks of Lens Implantation: In reality, there are no significant drawbacks or risks associated with lens implantation, especially when performed in a trustworthy eye center that adheres to the highest quality standards, as is the case with Dr. Ahmed El-Naggar’s clinic. Dr. Ahmed, with his extensive experience, ensures the use of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment devices imported from around the world. Moreover, selecting high-quality lenses from reputable sources with secure storage conditions is crucial in enhancing the success of lens implantation.
Tips After Lens Implantation:
The middle phase of recovery, during which patients achieve the best vision quality and significant improvement, typically spans about one to three months. During this period, patients should follow some guidelines and avoid certain precautions that may negatively affect their eye health. These tips, as conveyed by Dr. Ahmed El-Naggar, include:
- Avoid exposing your eyes to water throughout the recommended period.
- Do not rub or touch your eyes at all.
- Avoid external traumas or impacts.
- Wear sunglasses when going out in the noon sun.
- Adhere to the prescribed medications and eye drops.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
Redness of the Eye After Lens Implantation
Redness of the eye is a common occurrence following lens implantation, especially in the first few hours. This is due to the eye’s exposure to a surgical incision, even if it is very precise. The blood vessels become irritated, leading to visible redness.
Lens Implantation for Severe Nearsightedness
Patients suffering from severe nearsightedness constitute the largest group of individuals opting for lens implantation. This includes people with congenital or acquired thin corneas.
When Do the Results of Vision Correction Lens Implantation Appear?
Many patients believe that lens implantation yields immediate results and doesn’t require any additional time to improve vision quality. However, in reality, the final results may take several months to fully manifest. This period is necessary for the incision to heal, for the eye to improve, for anti-inflammatory medications to take full effect, and for the ultimate outcome to become apparent.
Is it Possible to Remove the Implanted Lens?
In cases where the procedure fails or is performed in cosmetic clinics that lack specialized eye surgery expertise, complications and undesirable consequences may arise. These include severe eye pain, visible blood hemorrhages, harmful bacterial and viral infections. In such situations, the last resort is the removal of the improperly implanted lens and its replacement with a high-quality lens that suits the patient and is compatible with their eye.
Lens Implantation and Astigmatism
Since astigmatism occurs in the eye due to irregular changes in the lens or cornea, there may be concerns about lens implantation potentially causing astigmatism. However, the opposite is true. Implanted lenses possess corrective properties that permanently address astigmatism.
Does Lens Implantation Affect the Natural Eye Shape?
In specific cases, lens implantation may be performed on one eye without affecting the other, leading the patient to believe that the appearance of one eye will differ from the other. However, we categorically refute this notion because the lenses used are highly transparent, have nano dimensions, and a diameter that is not visible to the naked eye. This means that the procedure does not impact the external appearance of the eye at all but only affects its functionality.
In light of this, it’s important to note that people around you will never notice the presence of the new lens, and it cannot be discerned by anyone except an eye doctor using advanced eye examination equipment and modern optical microscopes.
Does the Implanted Lens Require Daily Care?
The specifications of these lenses differ from contact lenses. Therefore, they do not require any sterile solutions, disinfectants, or other measures that are typically used to maintain contact lenses.
The Appropriate Age for Lens Implantation Surgery
Most eye doctors recommend this type of surgery for patients who are over 20 years old, as refractive vision problems tend to stabilize, and changes in vision prescriptions become minor and less significant. However, for patients who are 40 years old or older, this procedure is less likely to be recommended, as lenses at this age may not yield the desired results.
The Best Eye Clinic for Lens Implantation in Egypt
You should immediately visit Dr. Ahmed El-Naggar’s eye clinic, the best eye doctor in Egypt, if you wish to undergo this procedure. You will witness the doctor’s professionalism, the advanced equipment and technologies used in the clinic for diagnosing and treating all eye diseases without exception, the medical staff, and the services provided to ensure maximum comfort, safety, and the best possible visual quality for patients.
In conclusion, we hope that you have gained a deep understanding of lens implantation for vision correction, its stages, and important details. Don’t hesitate to regularly have your eyes examined to ensure their well-being. We hope you have enjoyed our information, and we wish you good health and well-being.