Cataract surgery in Vienna – modern surgery for better vision

Author: Dr. Victor Derhartunian 1 January 2025

What is cataract?

Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases worldwide. Just imagine: The clear lens in your eye, which works like a camera lens, becomes cloudy over time. This natural ageing process causes you to see as if through a fine veil.

This development is a normal part of the ageing process and affects most people from around the age of 65. The good news is that today we can not only remove the clouding with a simple procedure, but often significantly improve your vision!

How do I know if I have a cataract?

The development of cataracts is usually so slow that you hardly notice the first changes. Typical signs are

  • Colors appear less bright and brilliant
  • You need more light to read
  • You feel increasingly unsafe when driving at dusk
  • Faces become more difficult to recognize at a greater distance
  • Your glasses need to be adjusted more frequently

It is important to know: All these changes can be corrected by modern surgery. In many cases, you will even see better after the procedure than you have for many years!

When is the right time for an operation?

In the past, people often waited until cataracts were very advanced. Today, modern eye surgery enables earlier intervention with several advantages:

  • Safer intervention thanks to better initial conditions
  • Faster recovery after surgery
  • Better visual results thanks to gentler technology
  • Possibility of correcting other visual problems in one step

An operation may be advisable if:

  • You are restricted in everyday life due to impaired vision
  • Your job requires good vision
  • you want to become less dependent on your glasses
  • you want to correct one vision defect at the same time

State-of-the-art diagnostics for an optimal result

Precise measurement of your eye is crucial for a perfect result. At our center in Vienna, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic systems:

High-precision 3D measurement

Our state-of-the-art measuring devices create a high-precision, three-dimensional model of your eye within a few seconds. This technology is completely non-contact and painless. The measurements are ten times more accurate than with conventional systems – finer than a human hair!

Special lens calculation

We use advanced technology to calculate the optimal artificial lens for your eye. Our systems can measure precisely even through advanced lens opacities, guaranteeing optimal results even if your cataract is more advanced.

The operation: simple, fast and safe

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgical procedures in the world. At our center in Vienna, we perform it using state-of-the-art technology and decades of experience.

The process at a glance:

  1. Preparation: local anesthesia with eye drops, you remain awake
  2. Access: Minimal incision of only 2.2 mm at the edge of the cornea
  3. Removal of the cloudy lens: The cloudy lens is broken up by ultrasound and gently suctioned out
  4. Implantation of the artificial lens: The new, clear artificial lens is implanted
  5. Closure: The small incision usually closes by itself, without sutures

The operation only takes about 15-20 minutes per eye. The entire stay in the clinic takes about 2 hours.

Artificial lenses for your best vision

Choosing the right artificial lens is crucial for your future visual outcome. Modern lens surgery offers various options:

Monofocal lenses

These tried and tested standard lenses offer:

  • Excellent visual acuity for one distance (mostly distance)
  • Highest contrast perception
  • Minimal optical side effects
  • Reading glasses are required for close range

EDOF lenses

These innovative lenses enable:

  • Extended range of vision from far to medium distance
  • Good intermediate distance vision (ideal for computer work)
  • Natural viewing experience
  • Reduced dependence on visual aids

Multifocal lenses

These premium implants guarantee:

  • Seeing at all distances (far, middle, near)
  • High degree of independence from glasses
  • Comprehensive suitability for everyday use
  • A certain period of familiarization is required

Which lens is best for you depends on your individual visual requirements, your lifestyle and your personal wishes. We will find the best solution for you together in a detailed consultation.

Aftercare and healing process

After the operation, we accompany you closely through the healing process:

The first days

  • Slight foreign body sensations are normal and subside quickly
  • Regular use of the prescribed eye drops
  • Protection of the eye during sleep with a special eye cup
  • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities

The first week

  • First check-up the day after the operation
  • Increasing improvement in visual quality
  • Avoidance of eye pressure and friction on the eye
  • Normal everyday activities such as reading or watching television are possible

The complete recovery

  • Further checks after one week and one month
  • Continuous improvement in visual quality
  • Most restrictions are lifted after about 4 weeks
  • The final stabilization of vision can take up to 3 months

Costs and insurance

If medically necessary (cataracts), the statutory health insurance companies will cover the costs:

  • The cost of the operation
  • A standard monofocal lens
  • Necessary preliminary and follow-up examinations

If you opt for a premium artificial lens, there are additional costs for:

  • The higher quality lens (EDOF, multifocal or toric)
  • Special measurement methods
  • Extended aftercare

We will advise you in detail on all costs.

Your path to better vision

The first step towards clear vision is a personal consultation at our center in Vienna. In the process:

  • Let us examine your eyes thoroughly
  • Discuss all treatment options
  • Answer your individual questions
  • Create a personalized treatment plan

Why do patients choose our center in Vienna?

  • Decades of experience in cataract surgery
  • State-of-the-art technology for precise diagnostics and surgery
  • Individual advice on all lens options
  • Comprehensive aftercare for optimal results
  • Central location in Vienna with good accessibility

Arrange your personal consultation appointment now:

Contact information

This information is updated regularly to provide you with the latest developments in eye surgery. Last update: April 2025

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Author:

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

Nachdem er sein Handwerk von den beiden Pionieren der Laserchirurgie gelernt hat, gehört Dr. Victor Derhartunian zu den führenden Augenlaser-Chirurgen. Er leitet die Praxis in Wien und kann seine Patienten in fünf Sprachen beraten.