Smart Lens
Trifocal / multifocal lens replacement that also fixes reading vision (presbyopia) — ideal from your 40s, no cataract needed.
Smart Lens replaces your natural lens with a premium trifocal or multifocal lens, giving clear vision near, far and in between — and preventing future cataracts. It is the go-to choice from your 40s when laser alone cannot fix reading vision.
Quick answer
Smart Lens surgery, also called refractive lens exchange, replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial multifocal, trifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lens to reduce dependence on glasses for distance and near. It is usually considered from the mid-40s. Night halos and reduced contrast are trade-offs; an ophthalmologist confirms suitability after assessment.
Suitability is always confirmed by an ophthalmologist after a full eye examination.
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Who is it for?
- People from their mid-40s onwards with presbyopia (difficulty reading) who want to reduce reliance on glasses.
- Patients with long-sight or high prescriptions who are not good candidates for laser eye surgery.
- People with early lens changes, where replacing the lens also means cataract cannot form later.
- Healthy eyes with no significant retinal, optic-nerve or corneal disease.
- Anyone who accepts some night-time halos and a period of adaptation in exchange for less dependence on glasses.
Who it isn't for
- Younger patients who still have useful natural focusing ability — laser correction is usually preferred.
- Macular disease, advanced glaucoma, significant corneal irregularity or other conditions that reduce the benefit of multifocal lenses.
- People who drive a great deal at night, or whose work depends on very high contrast vision, who may be advised against multifocal optics.
- Anyone expecting perfect vision at every distance in every lighting condition.
- High short-sight with a higher risk of retinal detachment, unless the surgeon has discussed the balance of risks with you.
How it works
- 1
Detailed eye assessment
Tests commonly include refraction, biometry (eye length and lens power measurements), corneal mapping, a retinal scan and a dilated examination. The ophthalmologist discusses lens types and their trade-offs with you.
- 2
Lens selection
Together you choose a lens type — trifocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF) or another option, with a toric version if astigmatism needs correcting.
- 3
Surgery on the first eye
After numbing drops and often light sedation, the natural lens is broken up with ultrasound (phacoemulsification) through a small incision and removed. The new lens is folded, inserted and unfolds in place. It commonly takes around 15–30 minutes.
- 4
Check and second eye
The first eye is checked the next day. The second eye is commonly treated a day or a few days later, depending on your surgeon’s protocol.
- 5
Final check and aftercare
After a final check you receive a drop schedule and written aftercare. Follow-up continues at home over the coming weeks.
How long you stay
For both eyes, most patients stay in Antalya for about five to seven days, allowing for the assessment, surgery on each eye with a gap between them, and post-operative checks. One trip is usually enough. Follow-up at home is commonly arranged with an optometrist or ophthalmologist over the following weeks.
Recovery
Distance vision often improves within days; near and intermediate vision can take longer as the brain adapts to the new optics — commonly several weeks and sometimes months. Use the prescribed drops, avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming and heavy lifting for the period your surgeon advises. Many people return to desk work within about a week.
Risks and how they are managed
- Halos, glare and starbursts around lights at night are common with multifocal and trifocal lenses; they usually become less noticeable, but some people are still aware of them long-term.
- Reduced contrast sensitivity compared with a single-focus lens, which can matter in dim light.
- Posterior capsule opacification — clouding behind the lens months or years later — is common and is usually treated with a quick YAG laser procedure.
- Residual prescription may remain; glasses or a laser enhancement are sometimes needed.
- Retinal detachment, raised eye pressure and macular swelling (cystoid macular oedema) are uncommon but serious; report sudden flashes, floaters, a shadow or pain promptly.
- Serious infection (endophthalmitis) is rare but sight-threatening, which is why drops and hygiene instructions matter.
- Rarely, a lens needs repositioning or exchanging if it is poorly tolerated.
Technology and instruments
- Optical biometry for measuring the eye and calculating lens power.
- Phacoemulsification (ultrasound) system for lens removal, sometimes with femtosecond-laser assistance.
- Intraocular lens types: trifocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF), monofocal, and toric versions for astigmatism.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to check the retina before surgery.
Technology types only — the exact devices used are named in your written treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Smart Lens and cataract surgery?
The operation is the same — the natural lens is removed and replaced. In cataract surgery the lens is cloudy; in Smart Lens (refractive lens exchange) it is still clear, and surgery is done to reduce dependence on glasses.
Will I never need glasses again?
Many people need glasses much less, but some still use them for small print, dim light or night driving. Results vary with lens type and your eyes, so no one can promise complete independence.
Will I see halos at night?
Halos and glare are common with multifocal and trifocal lenses. They usually become less noticeable as the brain adapts, but some people remain aware of them.
Can I still get cataracts?
No. Cataract affects the natural lens, which is removed. Clouding of the capsule behind the new lens can happen later and is usually treated with a quick laser procedure.
Is the new lens permanent?
Artificial lenses are designed to last a lifetime and do not wear out. In rare cases a lens is repositioned or exchanged.
Are both eyes done on the same day?
Usually not. The eyes are commonly treated separately, a day or a few days apart, so the first eye can be checked before the second is done.
How long until I can read comfortably?
Distance vision often improves within days; comfortable near vision can take several weeks while the brain adapts to the new lenses.
Why not choose laser eye surgery instead?
Laser surgery reshapes the cornea but does not restore reading vision lost to presbyopia. For people in their 40s and beyond, a lens procedure may address both — but laser is often preferred for younger patients.
Included in your package
- Free eye examination & suitability check
- Often lower cost than UK & EU prices
- Free VIP airport transfers & a hotel near the clinic
- LASIK, SMILE, Smart Lens & cataract by eye surgeons
- A dedicated patient coordinator at every step
Treatments we offer