Laser eye surgery Zurich-Switzerland

Lens surgery: refractive lens exchange & lens implantation in comparison

Laser eye surgery is not always the best solution for getting rid of severe short-sightedness, long-sightedness, presbyopia, astigmatism and cataracts (cataract surgery) and being able to do without glasses and contact lenses permanently.

Lens surgery offers patients who would otherwise be limited and dependent on visual aids for the rest of their lives, or who would go blind due to cataracts, the certain chance of a better life! Find out which lens surgery will give you clear vision, freedom & quality of life:

Lens exchange / Lifestyle cataract surgery (multifocal lenses)
Lens implantation ICL Phake lenses
Lens exchange / standard cataract surgery (monofocal lenses)

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What is lens surgery?

The lens is responsible for many visual defects: short-sightedness and long-sightedness due to the incorrect refraction of incident light, astigmatism due to a curved cornea or a? deformed lens. A lack of flexibility leads to presbyopia and if the lens becomes cloudy, this is referred to as a cataract. A new or additional artificial lens gives you a new, better view of things, corrects existing visual defects, heals and prevents cataracts.

Lens replacement (cataract surgery): Natural lenses are removed and replaced with an artificial lens.

Lens implantation: Natural lenses remain in the eye and an artificial lens (ICL) is additionally implanted.

Lens exchange with multifocal lenses (Lifestyle)

The best and most modern procedure for the treatment of cataracts and presbyopia. Correct all visual defects in one operation – short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism – thanks to multifocal lenses with three focal points or EDOF lenses with additional depth of focus for the best possible optics. Never be dependent on visual aids again.

Prerequisites

High myopia from -6 diopters
High farsightedness: from +4 diopters
Regular corneal curvature
No amblyopia (severe one-sided visual impairment)
No retinal diseases (e.g. macular degeneration)
No glaucoma
No diseased or scarred cornea

Advantages

Permanently glasses-free + no contact lenses & no reading glasses required
Healing of cataracts (can never occur again)
Lifelong stable vision with low risk
Also possible with astigmatism (toric lens)
Extremely high success rate and satisfaction
Outpatient, minimally invasive procedure: 15 minutes per eye
Permanent correction of presbyopia

More about Lifestyle cataract surgery / lens exchange

Lens implantation ICL Phake lens

The rescue in the form of implantable contact lenses if you do not meet the requirements for laser eye surgery and still want to see clearly without having to wear glasses or contact lenses. Holistic, flexible vision correction is made possible by an EVO/EVO+ VISIAN ICL or IPCL Premium Phake lens. Particularly suitable for (younger) people who do not suffer from presbyopia or cataracts.

Prerequisites

Lens implantation Myopia: up to -23 diopters
Lens implantation Farsightedness: up to +10 diopters
Lens implantation Astigmatism: Up to 10 diopters
Minimum age: 25 years

Possible with thin cornea
Possible for chronically dry eyes & contact lens intolerance
Possible in the case of conspicuously / irregularly shaped corneas

Advantages

Permanently glasses-free + no contact lenses & no reading glasses required
Also possible for extreme ametropia
Alternative to laser eye surgery because of a wider range of applications
Also for thin, deformed corneas, dry eyes and astigmatism
Reversible procedure that maintains corneal stability and tear flow
Correct all visual defects with one procedure
99 % recommendation rate among patients

More about lens implantation (ICL)

Which lens surgery is right for me?

At the EyeLaser eye laser center in Vienna and Linz, we will find the right perfect lens surgery: Tailored to your EyesYour Poor eyesightYour Claims / WishesYour Life and your Budget.

During your initial examination you can expect individual consultation, an examination with the latest diagnostic equipment and time for you to ask all your questions so that you can make the decision for your – life-changing – lens operation with a good feeling.

Aptitude test

After your free aptitude test with world-renowned eye surgeons, you will know whether lens surgery is a promising option for you:

Eignungstest vereinbaren

Preliminary examination:

During your aptitude test in conjunction with a non-binding, holistic preliminary examination (290CHF)*, we will develop an individual treatment plan for you:

Voruntersuchung vereinbaren

* Money-back guarantee: If it turns out during the preliminary examination that you are not suitable after all or you decide against treatment at EyeLaser, we will only charge you the costs of the ophthalmologic examination.

Advantages of lens surgery: defective vision, presbyopia & cataract surgery

The alternative to laser eye surgery

Lens surgery is less well known, but is performed successfully millions of times and gives you the clear vision you want, even if laser eye surgery is not possible. For example, due to excessive defective vision, corneal problems or cataracts.

Durable solutions for young & old

While lens exchange can be the perfect treatment for older people who are already affected by presbyopia or a cataract, lens implantation is possible from the age of 25 and also offers young patients an excellent option for correcting their visual defects.

Independence from glasses & contact lenses

Being able to do without glasses in everyday life and always having the finer things in life in view is quality of life. With appropriate lenses (lifestyle and ICL), you can permanently dispense with visual aids or reduce their necessity to a minimum (standard).

The alternative to laser eye surgery

Durable solutions for young & old

Independence from glasses & contact lenses

Customized lens surgery – this is what it looks like in our clinic

If you opt for lens surgery in Vienna or Linz at EyeLaser, you are also opting for experienced surgeons, state-of-the-art equipment, tried and tested routines and an eye laser center with a focus on you – the patient.

In addition to medical and professional excellence we attach great importance to ensuring that you feel you are in good hands and can be sure that you will receive the best possible treatment treatment.

Preliminary examinations - suitability for lens surgery

Preparation is the key to success, which is why we leave nothing to chance at EyeLaser. We develop an individual treatment plan for you based on the ophthalmologic examination and the consultation. You benefit from maximum transparency – also in terms of prices. Depending on the planned lens surgery, the preliminary lens surgery examination consists of the following:

Objective refraction
Determine spectacle prescription
Determine visual acuity
Pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement)
Measure intraocular pressure
Topography (recording the corneal surface)
OCT anterior segment
OCT posterior segment
Eye background photography

Linsenoperation

You will be given an anesthetic to ensure that your lens surgery is painless. The operation itself only takes a few minutes per eye.

Refractive lens exchange & cataract surgery (Lifestyle & Standard)

Through a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea and the circular opening of the lens capsule, the natural lens can be shredded or liquefied and suctioned out using ultrasound (phacoemulsification). The empty capsular bag now has space for the implantable lens – whether a monofocal or multifocal lens. This is introduced and unfolds.

Femtosecond laser

Normally, the incision is made by hand with a scalpel. If you opt for the optional additional option “femtosecond laser”, the cut with the laser will be even more precise. more precise, safer and gentler set. The computer-assisted precision laser then also shreds the lens.

The use of the femtosecond laser has no influence on the visual outcome.

Lens implantation

A minimal incision (2.2 to 2.4 mm) is made at the edge of the cornea. The rolled lens can be inserted and placed through this using an injector. The lens can unfold and take its place in the anterior or posterior chamber.

Nachsorge

The incision is sealed and then heals on its own. We provide you with an eye protection flap that protects against friction and impact – especially during sleep. An additional injection of antibiotics prevents infection or inflammation.

After the implantable contact lenses have been inserted on an outpatient basis, you can go home immediately and recover in familiar surroundings. Please remember to arrange to be picked up and not to drive yourself on the day of the procedure.

Follow-up appointment 1: The day after the lens operation
Follow-up appointment 2: One week after treatment
Follow-up appointment 3: One month after the procedure

If complications arise unexpectedly or if you have any questions, we are always available for you. To ensure smooth healing and a speedy recovery, you will be prescribed medication, given a personalized drip schedule and given precise instructions on what to avoid and for how long (e.g. sport, swimming pool, sauna, work).

Get to know the eye experts

Discover our laser eye surgeons in the heart of Zurich

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

Ophthalmologist, specialist in refractive surgery

FEBO

Having learned his craft from the two pioneers of laser surgery, Dr. Victor Derhartunian is one of the leading surgeons in Europe. The senior eye surgeon at EyeLaser in Zurich can advise his patients in 5 languages.

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Dr. Valery Vinzent Wittwer

Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon

FEBO

Since 2024, Dr. Valery Lenzt Wittwer joins the EyeLaser Zurich team. He specializes in lens surgery and enables patients to live without cataracts and/or visual defects through cataract surgery and ICL lens implantation.

Learn more

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

Ophthalmologist, specialist in refractive surgery

FEBO

LEARN MORE

Dr. Valery Vinzent Wittwer

Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon

FEBO

Learn more

Discover which eye treatment is best for you with this 1-minute quiz

Things like age, eye shape, history and lifestyle make an eye treatment perfect for one person, but not another. Find out which treatment (if any) could free you from glasses and contacts

Take a quiz

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about lens surgery

We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about lens surgery for you here. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call us or send us a message.

How quickly can I see after lens surgery?

Immediately after the implantable contact lens is inserted, the patient’s visual impression improves. The immediate effect of cataract surgery is particularly remarkable. It can take a few days for the brain to get used to the new lens. After around two weeks, the adjustment is largely complete and after a maximum of four weeks you can enjoy absolutely stable and clear vision.

How long does a lens operation last?

Refractive lens exchange and lens implantation are designed to last a lifetime. The ICL lens has a lifespan of 90 years and can be replaced with a new ICL or an IOL lens (lens exchange) if necessary (e.g. due to cataracts or the onset of presbyopia).

Premium monofocal and multifocal lenses also generally remain in the patient’s eye until the end of their life.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The actual operation only takes 15 minutes.

On the day of cataract surgery, you should plan at least two hours for your procedure – for preparations, treatment and aftercare. Many patients appreciate that it is quick, painless and very low-risk.

Is lens surgery or laser eye surgery better?

Depending on which visual defect or eye disease is to be treated, either laser eye surgery or lens surgery is an option. With our experience and the most precise diagnostics, we at EyeLaser determine which form of treatment is the most promising and safest for you.

Lens surgery is often used when laser eye treatment is not possible. For example, in the case of excessive myopia or hyperopia, irregular, thin corneas or the presence of a cataract. In addition to lens replacement, the PresbyMAX laser procedure can be used to correct presbyopia.

Our promise: We will find the lens surgery or laser eye surgery method that best suits your eyes and your needs.

When can I return to work after my lens surgery?

As a rule, you are exempt from work for two weeks with a medical certificate. It is particularly important at the beginning that you avoid friction and physical impact so that the artificial lens does not slip. How long you are actually unable to work depends on the healing process and your job.

Are artificial lenses better than natural lenses?

It depends. If your body’s own lens is healthy and does not cause any visual defects, there is no reason for a new artificial lens to be inserted. As soon as your vision is clouded by a cataract, worsened by presbyopia or restricted by defective vision, an artificial lens (ICL, monofocal or multifocal lens) may be the better choice.

The artificial lens in the eye prevents you from developing cataracts (again or at all) as it does not cloud. The focal points and refractive power of the artificial lens also no longer change, which ensures consistent vision.

Which lens surgery for cataracts?

If you want to remove cataracts with your lens surgery, only refractive lens exchange is an option. A lens implantation (ICL) would not change the opacity of the natural lens, as it remains in the eye. If only cataract treatment is required, both standard (monofocal lenses) and lifestyle (multifocal lenses) lens replacements are equally suitable.

Lifestyle cataract surgery has the additional advantage that you no longer have to wear glasses or contact lenses afterwards and it is also possible and useful for patients with astigmatism and presbyopia.