Lens Replacement Surgery (RLE)

What lens replacement involves

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is the same operation as cataract surgery, performed before a cataract develops: the eye's natural lens is removed through a 2 mm incision by ultrasound and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens chosen to correct your prescription. With a trifocal or extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lens, most patients are free of glasses for distance, computer and reading; with a toric lens, astigmatism is corrected at the same time. Because the natural lens is gone, a cataract can never form.

It is the procedure of choice for patients over 45 with presbyopia (reading glasses), high long- or short-sightedness outside laser range, or early lens changes. Each eye takes 15–20 minutes under anaesthetic drops and light sedation; the second eye is done the next day.

Who is eligible

Adults, usually over 45, with a stable prescription and healthy retinas. Not suitable with active macular disease, advanced glaucoma or uncontrolled diabetes. Full biometry, corneal topography and a retinal OCT are done on arrival; the lens is chosen from those measurements, not in advance. Stop contact lenses one to two weeks before travel.

Why Istanbul, and why through us

Trifocal lens replacement costs £6,000–12,000 for both eyes in the UK and €5,500–9,000 in Germany. Our ophthalmology partner is a JCI-accredited dedicated eye hospital using the same Alcon, Zeiss and Johnson & Johnson lenses, at a third of the price, with both eyes done in two consecutive days and a coordinator who speaks your language at every appointment.

You deal with one coordinator, one hospital and one medical team from the first message to the last follow-up. Every price is itemised in writing before you pay a deposit, and the written quote does not change unless you change the plan. Flights are never included.

Recovery and follow-up

Vision is functional the next morning and sharpens over a week. Drops for four weeks; no eye rubbing, swimming or heavy lifting for two. Four nights in Istanbul: diagnostics on day one, surgery on days two and three, check and fly home on day four. Halos around lights at night are normal with multifocal lenses and fade over weeks to months as the brain adapts. Follow-up at one and three months can be done by any optometrist at home; the lens passport goes with you.

Cost of lens replacement in Turkey

The published price is for both eyes with premium trifocal lenses and includes diagnostics, surgery, drops, hotel, transfers and coordination. Toric (astigmatism) and EDOF lenses are quoted individually; monofocal lenses are cheaper. Flights are never included.