Day theatre procedure
About this service
Intraocular lens exchange is a day-theatre eye surgery available in Windhoek to replace an intraocular lens that was implanted during a previous cataract operation. It may be recommended if the original lens is causing visual disturbances, doesn't provide the expected vision, or has shifted from its original position. Because this surgery involves working inside the eye again, it needs careful assessment and planning beforehand.
At Eastgate Clinic this procedure is performed in our on-site day theatre, with consultation and follow-up managed by your GP in our rooms. Your doctor will assess your eye and explain whether a lens exchange is appropriate for you.
What to expect
- A detailed assessment in our rooms of the existing lens, your vision and the reason for the exchange
- The operation takes place in our on-site day theatre with an anaesthetist present, and you are usually discharged the same day
- Sensitivity to light and a foreign-body feeling in the eye are common for a few days
- You wear an eye shield at night and use prescribed drops for several weeks
- Vision is rechecked at follow-up visits as the eye recovers
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Visual disturbances following previous cataract surgery
- A lens that has shifted or become dislocated
- Vision not meeting expectations after lens implantation
- Glare, halos or blurred vision linked to the current lens
- Referral from your eye doctor for lens exchange assessment
Frequently asked questions
Why would an intraocular lens need to be exchanged?
A lens implanted during cataract surgery may shift out of position, give the wrong focus, or cause glare and halos. If drops or glasses cannot fix the problem, replacing the lens may be advised.
Is a lens exchange done by an eye specialist?
Working inside the eye a second time calls for specialist skill, so your Eastgate Clinic doctor will assess you first and arrange the surgery with a visiting eye surgeon in our on-site day theatre where appropriate.
What is recovery like after intraocular lens exchange?
You usually go home the same day with a protective shield over the eye. Vision is often blurry at first and sharpens gradually, and you will use drops for several weeks while attending follow-up checks.
For referring doctors
This procedure can be booked in Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your intraocular lens exchange?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.