A lens for placement in a human eye, such as an intraocular lens, has at least some of its optical properties modified with a laser. The lens preferably contains at least 5% by weight UV absorber so commercially feasible rates of manufacture can be achieved. The laser forms modified loci in the lens where the modified loci have a different refractive index than the refractive index of the material before modification. The same laser modification technique can be used on the cornea in situ.