What is the lifespan of an artificial lens?

What is the lifespan of an artificial lens?

When people visit Vision Laser in Geneva, one of the most common questions we hear is: “How long does an artificial lens last?”

The short answer: a lifetime.

Let’s look at what that means and what you can expect after lens surgery.

What is an artificial lens?

An artificial lens, also called an intraocular lens (IOL), is a tiny, clear lens that replaces your natural lens during surgery.

This surgery is done either for cataracts (when the natural lens becomes cloudy) or as part of a refractive lens exchange (to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts).

The artificial lens focuses light onto the retina, helping you see clearly again. It’s made from a special material that stays stable, safe, and clear inside your eye for life.

How long does it last?

Once implanted, an artificial lens does not wear out or need replacement. It is built to last your whole life, it does not break down, lose clarity, or move around in a healthy eye.

Modern lenses are made from high-quality biocompatible materials, such as acrylic or silicone. These materials don’t react with your body and remain clear for decades. So, in most cases, you will never need another lens surgery once your artificial lens is in place.

Can vision change over time?

Even though the lens itself lasts forever, other parts of your eye can still change.
For example:

• The retina may age naturally over time.
• The capsule behind the lens can sometimes become cloudy. This is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), it can make your vision blurry again.

But don’t worry! If this happens, the fix is simple and painless: a quick laser treatment that clears the cloudy membrane in just a few minutes. You don’t need new surgery or a new lens.

Why choose an artificial lens?

The advantages are numerous:

• There are many benefits: Long-lasting vision improvement
• No risk of future cataracts
• Reduced need for glasses or contacts
• Safe and proven technology
• Designed to last for life

At Vision Laser, , our eye specialists use advanced imaging and precise planning to choose the lens that best fits your eyes and lifestyle. We want you to enjoy clear, comfortable vision for many years to come.

Different types of lenses

There are several types of artificial lenses, depending on your needs:

• Monofocal lenses: for clear distance vision (you may still need reading glasses).
• Multifocal lenses: to help you see near and far without glasses.
• Toric lenses: for people with astigmatism, for sharper vision.

Your surgeon will help you select the best option based on your eye health, age, and daily habits.

Will I ever need to replace it?

In nearly all cases, no. Artificial lenses are designed to stay clear and stable for a lifetime.

Only in very rare cases might a lens need to be replaced, such as if:

• The lens shifts out of position
• There is an infection or trauma to the eye
• A new type of lens becomes better suited to your needs in the future

These cases are extremely uncommon. Most people enjoy decades of clear vision after lens surgery with no need for further operations.

How Vision Laser helps

At Vision Laser in Geneva, we understand that choosing surgery can feel like a big decision. That’s why we focus on personal care, clear explanations, and lasting results.

We use the latest technology and work with experienced surgeons to ensure your comfort, safety, and success at every step.

If you’re thinking about lens surgery, or if you simply want to know if it’s right for you, you can start by taking our suitability self-test. It’s quick, simple, and helps you learn whether this solution could fit your eyes and lifestyle.