Educational draft · awaiting clinical reviewUse Rapid for revision, not patient-care decisions. Check current national and local guidance and the BNF or BNFC before acting.
2 min synopsisUK scopeSources checked 7 Sept 2026Clinical review pending
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A changing postoperative lens picture
Sudden blur, a visible implant edge, pain or redness in a previously operated eye may reflect displacement, inflammation or another intraocular complication.
Action: Arrange prompt ophthalmology review, urgently for acute visual loss or pain. New flashes or a field shadow require urgent retinal assessment.
Synopsis
Distinguish absent and artificial lenses, explain their optical consequences and plan correction or referral when lens support and visual rehabilitation are complex.
Aphakia means the natural lens is absent without a replacement intraocular lens supplying its role.
Pseudophakia describes an eye in which an artificial lens replaces the removed natural lens.
A phakic intraocular implant is different: the natural lens remains in the eye.
Key red flags
A painful red aphakic or pseudophakic eye needs assessment for pressure, inflammation and infection.
Investigation priorities
01
Refraction and corrected visual acuityFirst step
Measure optical need and estimate benefit from further intervention.
Management branches
Optical correctionRestore focus in an aphakic eye
The natural lens has been removed and effective refractive correction is needed.
Arrange a timely refraction and discuss distance and near correction, with particular urgency in an infant's visual development.
Compare high-plus spectacles with specialist contact lenses, considering image size, field effects, handling and the fellow eye.
National guidance is shown before implementation-dependent detail. Typical adult dose examples remain subject to patient factors, contraindications and the live BNF or specialist protocol. Source check completed 7 Sept 2026; clinical approval remains outstanding.