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What is multifocal lens implantation (MIOL)?

Path B: Cataract Surgery as an Opportunity

In the past, cataract surgery was a purely “repair procedure.” The cloudy lens was removed and a standard (monofocal) lens was inserted. The patient could see brightly again but still needed glasses for distance and near vision.

  • The Upgrade: Today, we use the necessity of the surgery as an opportunity. Instead of a standard lens, we implant the Odyssey Premium Lens.
  • Your Status: Health insurance covers the basic procedure. You invest in the upgrade (lens & laser).

The result: You not only lose the cataract but also gain freedom from glasses.

The Technology: Evolution to the Hybrid Lens

For a long time, classic “trifocal lenses” were the standard. They had sharp rings that split light. This worked well but often led to glare (halos) and loss of contrast at night.

At EyeLaser Zurich, we rely on the 2nd generation (Hybrid & EDOF), such as the Johnson & Johnson Tecnis Odyssey or Bausch + Lomb Envista.

  • Hybrid Technology: The Odyssey combines the best of two worlds: the excellent near vision of a multifocal lens with the tolerability and contrast of an EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lens.
  • Fewer Halos: Optimized surfaces massively reduce light circles around car headlights. This is crucial for road safety.
  • Glistening-Free Material: We only use lenses made from state-of-the-art hydrophobic acrylic. Older materials tended to have small inclusions (“glistenings”). Our lenses remain as clear in 50 years as they were on day one.

Costs & Financing in Switzerland

Transparency is important to us. Here you can find out exactly how the costs are composed.

1. For Cataracts

In Switzerland, basic health insurance (KVG) covers the costs for the surgical technique “manual with scalpel” and a “standard lens” (monofocal).
If you opt for premium vision, the following costs will be personally incurred by you (self-payer portion):

  • Surcharge for special lens: The additional cost for the multifocal/hybrid lens compared to the standard lens.
  • Surcharge for Femto-Laser (FLACS): Health insurance only covers the manual incision. The precision of the laser is a private service.

2. For Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Since this procedure serves the desire for freedom from glasses and is not medically mandatory (as glasses could also be worn), health insurance does not cover any costs.

  • Full Costs: You bear the costs for the surgery, the laser, and the lenses yourself. However, we offer attractive financing models.

We will explain the process to you in brief:

Multifocal lenses for presbyopia – the procedure in brief

Safety through AI & Laser Precision

A premium lens tolerates no errors. Therefore, we leave nothing to chance in planning.

1. AI Calculation (Artificial Intelligence)

We measure your eye with the Heidelberg Anterion and CSO MS-39. This data flows into AI-based formulas (such as Kane, Barrett, or Hill-RBF). These algorithms “learn” from thousands of eyes worldwide and predict the position of the lens in the eye more precisely than any classical formula.

2. The Femto-Laser Surgery (FLACS)

We recommend performing the procedure with the femtosecond laser.

  • Precision: The laser opens the lens capsule with micrometre-accurate circularity and centration.
  • Why is this important? Perfect centration is crucial for the optical performance of the hybrid lens. This precision is hardly reproducible manually.

Immediately before the procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic in the eye, and the MIOL implantation takes place in a relatively short operation. The lens is implanted in the anterior part of the eyeball and positioned there in such a way that it replaces the function of the natural lens. Once the procedure is complete, you will be fitted with protective contact lenses to protect your eye from injury. During the first few weeks after MIOL implantation, you may experience mild discomfort, such as irritation or dryness. But don’t worry – these symptoms usually disappear on their own after a few days or weeks. In any case, it is advisable to discuss the course of healing with us at least once a month and, if necessary, carry out further examinations to ensure that everything runs smoothly and your vision improves.

Of course, it can happen that some people suffer from side effects and/or have certain visual difficulties. Our experts are always available to provide advice and support and help you with any problems related to your MIOL implantation. Even after the MIOL implantation is complete, regular check-ups should be carried out – especially for people over 50 – in order to detect early signs of presbyopia or other diseases. But now we want to dedicate ourselves to the treatment in more detail.

3. Our Safety Net: Laser Fine-Tuning (Bioptics)

An eye is living tissue. Wound healing is individual.

  • Our promise: Should a small residual diopter (e.g., -0.5 dpt) remain after 3–4 months, we will perform a laser touch-up on the cornea.
  • The Difference: Pure cataract surgeons often cannot offer this. As a laser center, we have the in-house technology to elevate your result from “good” to “perfect.”

When We Say “No”: Anatomy & Risks

We only operate if the anatomy is correct. We rigorously check:

  • Kappa & Alpha Angles: We measure the distance between your pupil center and your actual line of sight. If the angle is too large, you will look past the optics of the lens. This leads to glare. In this case, we advise against the procedure.
  • Retinal Health: With the OCT scan, we ensure that your macula is 100% healthy. Any precursor to macular degeneration is an exclusion criterion.

Scientific Risk Calculator (Retinal Detachment)

Lens exchange is a procedure inside the eye. Especially in young patients with high myopia, there is a statistical risk that the retina may detach years later.

  • Transparency: We use scientific data (based on large European studies such as the Rotterdam Study) to calculate your individual risk.
  • Honesty: If the calculator indicates too high a risk, we decline the lens exchange and recommend safer alternatives (e.g., an ICL lens that leaves the eye intact).
Femto-LASIK 7D

What if I don’t tolerate the lens?

Presbipia

In very rare cases (under 1%), the brain does not adapt to the new vision (“lack of neuroadaptation”).

The solution: We will not leave you alone. A Lens replacement is possible. We remove the multifocal lens and insert a classic monofocal lens. Thanks to our precise preliminary examination (simulation tests), however, this scenario is extremely rare.

Start your treatment process with confidence

Book your eligibility check in Zurich. Experience what happens when state-of-the-art technology meets true Swiss treatment quality.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions in Zurich

Have you heard about MIOL implantation and would like to find out more about this treatment method? Here are some frequently asked questions about this technique that will hopefully clear up any doubts you may have.