Lens replacement and cataract surgery in Türkiye: what UK patients ask before they book

Reading glasses on top of distance glasses, a cataract starting to blur things, or a long NHS wait – these are the usual reasons UK patients look at lens surgery in Türkiye. This guide answers the questions people ask before they book. It does not replace an examination by an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon).

What is refractive lens exchange – and how is it different from cataract surgery?

It is technically the same operation; only the reason differs. In both, the surgeon removes your natural lens and puts in an artificial one (an intraocular lens, IOL). In cataract surgery the natural lens has gone cloudy. In refractive lens exchange (RLE) – also sold as “lens replacement” or “clear lens exchange” – the lens is still clear, and it is replaced to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth), it takes about 20 minutes per eye and you usually go home the same day. Because it is the same procedure, it carries the same risks – even though your eye currently sees well with glasses.

Monofocal, multifocal/trifocal, EDOF, toric – which lens is for whom?

The lens decides what you will see without glasses, so it is the most important choice you make.

Lens type	What it aims for	Main trade-off
Monofocal	One distance, usually far	Reading glasses usually still needed; fewest optical side effects
Monofocal “micromonovision”	One eye for distance, the other for arm’s length	Some near tasks may still need glasses; not everyone tolerates the difference between eyes
Multifocal / trifocal	Distance, intermediate (computer) and near	More haloes and glare; not suitable for some eye conditions
EDOF (extended depth of focus)	Distance and intermediate, a “stretched” focus	Usually less near vision than a trifocal; ask the surgeon about side effects
Toric (any of the above)	Also corrects astigmatism	Needs precise measurement and alignment

The RCOphth says about four in five people are completely glasses-free with contemporary multifocal lenses. A Cochrane review of 20 trials found that multifocal lenses probably reduce dependence on glasses but cause noticeably more haloes and glare than monofocal lenses; how this balances out “will vary between people”.

Tip: Ask the surgeon to write down the exact lens model and the target for each eye (for example “distance” or “slightly short-sighted”). “Premium lens” on a price list tells you nothing.

Am I suitable?

Only a full eye examination can answer that, but these points come up most often.

• Age: the RCOphth says lens exchange generally suits people over 50 with a stronger prescription, and is the default vision-correction surgery over 65. Under 50, laser eye surgery or an implantable lens in front of your own lens is generally better for most people.
• Retina and other eye conditions: multifocal lenses may not suit people with existing eye problems. Tell the surgeon about any history of glaucoma, macular problems, diabetes affecting the eyes or previous eye surgery.
• High short-sightedness: the RCOphth notes that retinal detachment is more common in very short-sighted people, and the risk after lens surgery is roughly five times higher in the first four years.
• Dry eye: a poor tear film can blur vision and spoil measurements. Ask whether it needs treating first.
• Night driving and lifestyle: if you drive a lot at night or work in low light, discuss whether haloes from a multifocal lens would bother you – a monofocal or micromonovision plan may be the safer choice.
• Previous laser eye surgery: tell the surgeon, as it changes how the lens power is calculated.

Haloes and glare – what is normal and for how long?

Some haloes and glare are expected with multifocal lenses, and most people adapt. The RCOphth explains that some multifocal lenses tend to cause haloes around lights, and light scatter, shadows or shimmering arcs can happen with any lens type. Vision often varies in the first weeks.

About 1% of people cannot adapt to a multifocal lens and may need it exchanged for a different lens. Before booking, ask how the clinic handles this: how long they want you to wait, who would perform an exchange and what it would cost.

Are both eyes done on the same day?

Many centres offer it, but you can choose one eye at a time. NICE says doing both eyes in one session can be considered for people at low risk of complications, after a discussion of the downsides. The main one: the lens for the second eye cannot be fine-tuned using the result of the first eye. NICE also notes you may need extra support afterwards, as both eyes are recovering at once.

If the eyes are done separately, ask whether both fit into one trip.

How many days in Antalya, and when can I fly?

Plan your return flight around your follow-up checks, not the operation day. There is no fixed number of days that applies to everyone; agree the schedule in writing before you book, including when the last check is and who signs you off to fly.

Moorfields Eye Hospital says most patients can fly after routine cataract surgery, even on the day of the procedure. The exception is a gas bubble in the eye (used in some retinal operations): you must not fly until your consultant says it is safe.

During your stay, the RCOphth advises wearing an eye shield at night for about a week, and Moorfields advises protecting the eye outdoors with the shield, plain glasses or sunglasses – useful in Antalya’s sun, wind and dust.

Which tests are needed beforehand?

Accurate measurements decide the lens power, so they should not be rushed. NICE recommends:

• Optical biometry to measure the length of the eye (ultrasound if optical measurement is not possible)
• Keratometry to measure the curve of the cornea
• Corneal topography where astigmatism is significant
• A lens-power formula chosen according to eye length, and results transferred electronically, not by hand

Bring your UK glasses prescription history and ask whether you need to stop wearing contact lenses before the measurements, and for how long.

Laser eye surgery (LASIK/SMILE) or lens – what suits which age?

Broadly, younger eyes suit laser, older eyes suit lens exchange. The RCOphth says laser vision correction or an implantable lens kept alongside your natural lens are generally better for most people under 50. From around 50, especially with a strong prescription or early reading problems, lens exchange becomes an option, and over 65 it is the default.

The RCOphth also notes that permanent, serious vision loss after lens exchange affects about 1 in 500 patients, which is more common than after laser vision correction. If you are under 50 and someone recommends lens exchange first, ask why.

Can I get it on the NHS?

Cataract surgery yes; lens exchange for glasses-freedom no.

• Cataract surgery: the NHS offers it with a standard lens. NICE says multifocal lenses should not be offered to people having cataract surgery, and access should not be restricted based on how well you can read the letter chart alone.
• Refractive lens exchange and laser eye surgery: not usually offered on the NHS. The NHS says they may be possible only if you have an eye condition that could lead to sight loss or your sight problems cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The RCOphth adds that RLE is not covered by private health insurance either.
• Problems after private surgery abroad: in an emergency the NHS will help, but routine follow-up is part of what you pay for privately – ask where and how it will take place once you are home.

What documents does my optician or eye doctor need at home?

Without your lens details, a UK clinician is working blind. Ask for these before you leave, in English:

Document	Why it matters
Lens implant card or label for each eye (make, model, power)	Needed for future checks, laser treatment or any lens exchange
Operation note for each eye	Shows what was done and whether there were complications
Biometry printout and lens-power calculation	Explains the target and helps if the result is off
Discharge letter with eye-drop plan	Your optician or GP can check you are using them correctly
Contact details of the operating surgeon	For questions once you are home

NICE recommends that patients receive written information on warning signs, eye drops, who to contact and when to get new glasses.

What if problems occur back home?

Know the warning signs before you fly, and do not wait for a scheduled video call if they appear.

• Urgent – same day: increasing pain, light sensitivity, redness or worsening blurred vision can mean infection or inflammation (RCOphth). Contact an eye casualty or go to A&E.
• Urgent – call NHS 111: sudden new floaters, flashes of light, a dark “curtain” or shadow across your vision, or sudden blurring – these can be signs of a detached retina (NHS).
• Non-urgent – see an optician: gradual cloudy or blurry vision months or years later. This is often posterior capsule opacification (PCO), the most common cause of later decline in vision, treated with a one-off YAG laser procedure.

The RCOphth notes that private clinics usually include follow-up for surgical problems for up to 12 months, but a YAG laser may cost extra. Ask what your package includes and how it works once you are back in the UK.

Tip: Save the warning signs and your surgeon’s contact details on your phone before leaving Antalya.

Sun, sea and pool afterwards?

Keep water out of the eye at first and protect it from the sun. The NHS says not to go swimming, even with goggles, during recovery, and not to rub your eye or wear eye make-up. How long varies: the RCOphth suggests no swimming for about a week after lens exchange and no contact sports for about a month, while Moorfields advises waiting roughly four to six weeks before swimming, pools, saunas and hot tubs after cataract surgery, and about four weeks before eye make-up.

So a beach holiday straight after surgery is not realistic. Wear sunglasses outdoors and follow your surgeon’s written plan.

Read more

• Checking your surgeon in Türkiye
• Your treatment contract with a Turkish clinic
• Aftercare after surgery in Türkiye