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

Multifocal lenses (MIOLs) have more than one focal point, enabling near, intermediate and distance vision – 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 middle range of vision (intermediate). This works through an area with extended depth of field, which makes the transition between near and far more fluid.

This makes your viewing 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 anesthetized with drops, so that the lens exchange 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. The result in both variants is that the empty lens capsule (also: capsular bag) remains behind.

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. The substances used during the operation are then 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. A protective shell protects against external influences – such as friction – in the first few days. 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

The very next day we will meet again at EyeLaser Zürich for a 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 centers in Zürich will be happy to assist you with refractive lens replacement, the correction of presbyopia and all other matters relating to lens surgery and laser eye surgery.

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 presbyopia correction and to avoid overstraining your eyes during the initial period. Of course, it also depends on your profession. In particular, occupations that are physically strenuous and where you run the risk of your eye 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 various forms 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 for vision 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 eye lens 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, surgery 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.