In most cases, intraocular lens implants placed during cataract surgery do not need to be replaced. They are designed to be permanent.
Longevity of Implants
Modern lens materials are stable and inert, so they do not degrade in the eye. Vision changes years after surgery are usually due to other eye conditions, not implant ageing.
- Posterior capsule opacification can cause blur but affects the capsule, not the lens
- Other eye diseases such as macular degeneration or glaucoma can alter vision
- Implant exchange is rarely required
When Replacement May Be Considered
Exchange may be performed in selected cases, such as large refractive surprises, wrong lens power, or specific implant-related issues. These situations are uncommon and require careful riskbenefit discussion.
Learning More
For a patient-friendly explanation of later visual changes, see the Blue Fin Vision® blog article on blurred vision after cataract surgery.
