Refractive lens exchange & cataract surgery: no more cataracts, defective vision, presbyopia & visual aids

Multifocal lenses (MIOL) have more than one focal point, making it possible to see at near, intermediate and far distances—without having to wear glasses or contact lenses.

A particular advantage over monofocal lenses is that MIOL lenses can also correct astigmatism.

We offer you the latest generation of lens types: Isofocal lenses (EDOF). These special multifocal lenses focus primarily on the distance and the intermediate range of vision. This works thanks to an area with extended depth of field, which makes the transition between near and far vision smoother.

This makes your visual experience even more natural and impressive.

During the preliminary examination, an individual treatment plan is drawn up for you, which is optimally designed to cure your defective vision or eye disease.

On the day of the operation itself, your pupils will be dilated with a medication. After 30 minutes, the eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops, so the lens replacement is performed under anaesthesia and is completely painless for you.

First, a tiny incision (2.2–2.4 mm) is made at the edge of the cornea. This is necessary so that the lens capsule can be opened in a circle. Using a modified ultrasound (phacoemulsification), the natural lens is liquefied or shredded and suctioned out.

If you decide to use the femtosecond laser, the incision is not made with a scalpel but with high precision using the laser. In both options, the result is that the empty lens capsule (also called the capsular bag) remains.

The artificial lens (monofocal or multifocal lens) is then implanted through the tiny incision using an injector. The rolled lens can unfold and take the place of the natural lens. Afterwards, the substances used during the operation are suctioned out and the wound is sealed.

To avoid infection, we immediately administer an antibiotic into the anterior chamber. After the operation, you will be given appropriate eye drops, which are also intended to prevent inflammation. In the first few days, a protective shield protects against external influences—such as rubbing. Pay attention to this:

• Do not exert any pressure on the operated eye
• No physical exertion
• No visits to the swimming pool or sauna
• Read less so as not to strain your eyes too much
• Adhere to the drip schedule

As early as the next day, we will see you again at EyeLaser Zurich for the follow-up check (appointment 1 of 2).

Just like refractive lens replacement, the artificial lens can also be replaced on an outpatient basis. If the refractive power changes or should change, a new, adapted multifocal or toric lens can be implanted. The EyeLaser eye laser centres in Zurich will be happy to support you with refractive lens exchange, renewed correction of presbyopia, and all other matters related to lens surgery and laser eye treatments.

Artificial lenses are generally designed to remain in the eye until the end of life. In contrast to the body’s own lens, clouding of the lens is not possible, which means that no (new) cataract can develop. If there are no complications (such as secondary cataracts), the artificial lens can remain in the eye forever.

As a rule, patients are put on sick leave for two weeks after cataract surgery. This helps you to fully recover after cataract surgery or the correction of presbyopia and to avoid overstraining your eyes during the initial period. Of course, it also depends on your profession. In particular, professions that are physically strenuous and where you run the risk of your eyes being affected (even accidentally) should be avoided.

At EyeLaser, we will discuss with you individually how long you should refrain from working after the procedure and issue a corresponding sick note.

There are now different types of multifocal lenses that are used to replace the natural lens. The lens is implanted by means of lens exchange and is decisive for the patient’s vision after the operation. At EyeLaser, we mainly use multifocal lenses (MIOL) with three focal points (trifocal). This allows you to see clearly at near, far and intermediate distances.

The further development of the MIOL is the so-called EDOF lens. This impresses with improved depth of field when seeing in the medium distance range and ensures even more natural transitions – similar to varifocals.

Toric lens: If the lens is toric, it can correct astigmatism as well as other visual defects.

Replacing the natural lens of the eye with a premium lens can quickly become expensive. However, due to the clouding of the lens of the eye caused by cataracts and/or presbyopia, the operation is sometimes medically necessary. Particularly for people who cannot have their eyes lasered and want to achieve independence from reading glasses, the costs may be covered by health insurance if:

• Cataracts are treated with a monofocal lens (standard).
• you have a proven intolerance and therefore cannot wear glasses or contact lenses despite having defective vision.
• In some cases: You suffer from a visual impairment of more than ten diopters and a proven intolerance to contact lenses.
• In some cases: Your visual impairment is more than three diopters in both eyes and contact lenses are not tolerated.

A private co-payment when opting for the lifestyle variant is also conceivable by agreement with the statutory or private health insurance provider.

You can find out more about the cost coverage options for refractive lens replacement in the overview: Lens surgery costs.