Can lens implants be replaced?

I had cataract surgery on both eyes in my early thirties. Up until I reached about 50, I only needed glasses for close-up and that wasn't 100% of the time.  By the time I reached 50, I needed corrective lenses for both close up and distance.  I was told that I couldn't see well enough to pass a driving test.  I know that a lot of improvements have been made as far as the type of lens implants that are used and the procedure itself.  When I had cataract surgery, it involved shots around the eye and actual sutures on the eyeball.  Has anyone ever heard of having lens implants replaced?  I know that a lot of people may not be concerned with this -- especially if they are older when they first have cataracts; but I'm still relatively young (56).  I currently wear contact lenses, one to correct near vision and one to correct distance vision.  I tried both progressive lens bifocals and the ones with a line in the middle.  I could only tolerate wearing either pair of glasses for distance.  I know that I will probably one day reach the point that I might have difficulty putting in and taking out contact lens.  It would be great to be able to have the current implants replaced by better ones if it is possible and it would improve my vision.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Surgeons do not take out "old" IOLs and put new ones in if the old ones are providing good vision even if that means wearing glasses or contacts. The risk is too high and the difference between a 1980 IOL and a 2009 IOL is not that great for people with normal eyesight

JCH MD

[bander]

After I sent my question about having implants replaced, I saw some questions where people were talking about explantation and piggy backing lenses.  What is explantation and when it that appropriate?   In piggy backing lenses, when would that be done?  When I read these, I was thinking that one of those might be an option for me at some time in the future.  My vision is not as good as it was when I first had cataract surgery; so I'm hoping there is some safe option out there that may provide better vision.

[bander]

I just read your response to my question again and I noticed something that I didn't pick up on the first time I read it.  You mentioned that the difference between a 1980 IOL and a 2009 IOL is not that great for people with normal eyesight.  Before my cataract surgery, I didn't have "normal vision."  I don't know what my vision was, but my glasses had lenses that were pretty thick. If my vision was pretty bad, would the difference in the IOL's make a difference?  Thanks for your imput.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Bottom line is that if the IOL is not causing the problem a newer IOL won't help. You need to see an Eye MD ophthalmologist for an evaluation.

JCH MD

[berrywoo]

Your vision problems are probably more associated with the general changes that occur as people age not with the IOL.
Explantation can be done, but most people who have explants are those with a multifocal who are dissatisfied with the dysphotopsias and other aberrations that have happened as a result of the implantation of a premium IOL.
Generally, the satisfaction rate for a monofocal IOL is greater than for a multifocal IOL as Dr. Hagan's research shows.
Piggybacking is generally done when after the first IOL implant there is an unexpected refractive error and the patient may benefit from an additional lens. However, there are risks and certain qualifications that must be met before another IOL can be implanted.
Take Dr. Hagan's advice and have your eyes thoroughly examined by an ophthalmologist.

[OldNavy966]

Newer is not always better.  If you search hard enough you will surely find an opthamologist to replace your IOL.  That doesn't mean you should.  I've never come across a person on this board who has replaced a monofocal IOL for a multifoca/accomadative IOL but this board is littered with people who have or are seeking the oposite.  Such as myself.  

[swagat_j]

Dear Sir,
I replaced my older lens because of not good vision, i had injury in my left eye in 2002. so my cornea was damage ,that time  i have cataract also due to injury.  now this days i change my older lens to new lens every thing is fine but after surgery i had a  pigment on the lens implant there is any way to cure this i have only 5% Vinson due to this  pigment dr. said that this pigment now cure only way of my body Response and eye water clean it self only. other then u has no Vision so any suggestion from your side i m 29 year old and i m worried about this very much
sorry sir for my bad english.