Find us

Linz: 0732 7675 21160

Wien:+43 50 236

info@eyelaser.at

The EyeLaser Triage: Two Paths to Glasses-Free Vision

Not all lens implantations are the same. The choice of the right procedure largely depends on your age, your diopters, and the anatomy of your eye. We strictly differentiate between two high-end procedures:

Eyelaser Wien

Path 1: The EVO ICL Lens (The Invisible Contact Lens)

Your own eye lens is still fully flexible, but cannot correct your extremely high short-sightedness or long-sightedness, or your cornea is too thin for a laser.

  • The Principle: We remove nothing from your eye. We insert an additional, wafer-thin artificial lens (EVO Visian ICL) between your iris and your natural lens.
  • The Material (Collamer): It is a revolutionary mix of collagen and polymer. It is 100% biocompatible, has UV protection, and is “anti-deposit” (no annoying protein deposits form on the lens).
  • The biggest advantage: Reversibility. The procedure can be reversed at any time in a few minutes.
ReLEx SMILE in Wien – Die Methode erklärt, die Zukunft erleben

Path 2: Refractive Lens Exchange / RLE (The Permanent Upgrade from 50)

Your own lens is losing elasticity (presbyopia/reading glasses) or beginning to cloud.

  • The Principle: The aging natural lens is microsurgically removed through a tiny incision and replaced with a premium artificial lens (EDOF or trifocal).
  • The biggest advantage: Cataract prevention. You not only correct your presbyopia but can also never suffer from cataracts again in your lifetime.

The Retinal Risk: Why We Often Decline Myopic Patients Over 45

Many clinics operate on every patient over 45 with a lens exchange (RLE) to correct presbyopia. We at EyeLaser Vienna do not do that.

Femto-LASIK

If you are severely short-sighted, your eyeball has grown anatomically too long. This means your retina at the back of the eye is under constant mechanical tension. If we now remove your natural, voluminous lens during a lens exchange and replace it with a very flat artificial lens, the pressure conditions change, and the vitreous humor in the eye moves.
The medical consequence: For short-sighted individuals, this massively increases the risk of a dangerous retinal detachment (ablatio retinae)!

Our Safety Promise: For us, the health of your retina comes first. If you are short-sighted and over 45 years old, lens exchange is generally not an option for us. We always look for gentler alternatives for you (such as PresbyMAX laser or a combination of ICL and reading glasses) to avoid exposing your eye to unnecessary risks.

Medical Masterclass: The “Safety-First” Protocol for Lenses

An implant inside the eye requires an architectural masterpiece. We measure what others only estimate:

Laser eye surgery Vienna
  • The Anterior Chamber Depth: An EVO ICL lens needs space. If your eye is anatomically too small, the lens can disrupt the circulation of aqueous humor (risk of glaucoma). With our high-end OCT device, the MS39 AXL Gen2, we measure the anterior chamber with micrometer precision. We do not implant an ICL if the depth is less than 2.8 mm.
  • Endothelial Cell Measurement: The endothelial cells on the back of the cornea ensure that the cornea remains clear. They cannot regenerate. We microscopically count these cells in advance. If the cell density is too low, we advise against the procedure.
  • Femto-Laser Precision (FLACS): For refractive lens exchange, we offer the procedure laser-assisted if desired. A femtosecond laser opens the capsule with absolute millimeter precision – without a manual scalpel incision. This guarantees an even more exact fit of the premium lens.

Method Comparison: Lenses vs. Laser Eye Surgery

Characteristic EVO ICL (Add-on Lens) Lens Exchange (RLE) Laser Eye Surgery (Cornea)
Suitable Age Approx. 18 to 45 years From approx. 50 years Approx. 18 to 50 years
Safety for Myopia 🥇 Excellent (Preserves vitreous) 🔴 Poor (Retinal risk!) 🥇 Excellent
Reversibility 🥇 Yes, 100% No (Permanent) No (Permanent)
Risk of Dry Eyes 🥇 None (Preserves corneal nerves) Very low Present (first few weeks)
Cataract Protection No (Own lens remains) 🥇 Yes (Protected for life) No

The EyeLaser Suitability Check: Traffic Light System for Implants

Femto-LASIK

🟢 Green Light (Ideal Conditions):

  • For ICL: Extreme refractive error or extremely thin cornea (mostly in patients under 45).
  • For RLE: Hyperopic patients from mid-40s/50s with presbyopia.
  • Sufficient anterior chamber depth (measured by us).
  • Healthy endothelial cells and normal intraocular pressure.
Femto-LASIK

🟡 Yellow Light (Precise Medical Clarification Needed):

  • Previous laser surgeries (LASIK) in the past: A lens exchange is possible but requires highly complex mathematical special calculations for the new lens.
  • Large pupils at night: We must precisely adjust the optical profile of the lens to minimize halos (light rings).

🔴 Red Light (Strict Rejection):

  • Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) in Myopic Patients: Due to massive risk of retinal detachment.
  • Anterior chamber too shallow: Absolute disqualifying criterion for EVO ICL (glaucoma risk).
  • Advanced keratoconus or inflammatory eye diseases (uveitis).
  • Advanced macular degeneration (AMD).
Dr. Victor Derhartunian

“Lens surgery is the absolute high-end class of ophthalmology. The fascinating thing about EVO ICL is the freedom of choice: we don’t alter the nature of your eye, we just add an optical masterpiece – and we can reverse it at any time. With lens exchange, however, excellent medicine also requires the courage to say ‘no’. We do not subject myopic patients to the high retinal risk of a lens exchange. We only operate if your eye parameters are absolutely perfect. Your long-term safety is my highest priority.”
– Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO

Your Premium Solution for Boundless Vision.

Free yourself from high diopters or presbyopia. Don’t leave your eyesight to chance. Invest in the highest retinal safety, biocompatible premium implants, and the surgical expertise of Dr. Derhartunian.

100% non-binding. No hidden costs. Practice in a prime location in the heart of Vienna.

Book a free eligibility check in Vienna now (15 min.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Lens Implantation in Vienna

What is the difference between EVO ICL and a lens exchange (RLE)?

With EVO ICL (often for patients under 45), your natural lens remains in the eye; we place a wafer-thin artificial lens in front of it. With lens exchange (mostly for patients over 50), your own aging lens is removed and replaced with an artificial premium lens (EDOF or trifocal).

Why is lens exchange dangerous for short-sighted people over 45?

Myopic eyes are anatomically longer. If the voluminous natural lens is replaced by a very flat artificial lens during lens exchange, the vitreous humor shifts. This creates mechanical tension on the retina. The risk of dangerous retinal detachment (ablatio retinae) increases drastically. Therefore, for safety reasons, we generally do not perform RLE on myopic patients.

Is lens implantation painful?

No. Your eyes are locally anesthetized with drops. During the surgery (which only takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye), you will only feel slight pressure, but no pain whatsoever.

Premium safety tolerates no haste. The exact optical measurement (IOL-Master), the measurement of the anterior chamber depth (MS39), the endothelial cell count, and the retinal check with dilated pupils require time. In addition, there is the detailed medical consultation.

Absolutely not. The lenses are positioned with micrometer precision inside the eye. There are no pain nerves there. Unlike a normal contact lens, you will not feel the implants when blinking or rubbing.

What material is the EVO ICL made of?

From “Collamer”, a highly developed material made of collagen and polymer. It is 100% biocompatible. Thanks to its “anti-deposit” property, no protein deposits form on it. The immune system does not recognize it as a foreign body, which is why there is never a rejection reaction.

Can the EVO ICL slip?

No. The lens is anatomically perfectly positioned behind the iris and in front of your own lens. It sits there absolutely securely and stably – even during extreme physical activities (combat sports, bungee jumping).

Will implants cause me to have dry eyes?

No. This is the biggest advantage of EVO ICL over laser eye surgery (like LASIK). Since no corneal nerves are severed, the control of your tear film remains completely intact. ICL implants are the best option for patients suffering from dry eyes.

How long does an implanted lens last?

Both the EVO ICL and the lenses used in lens exchange are designed to remain in the eye for a lifetime. The material does not age or cloud.

Why is ICL reversible, but lens exchange is not?

With ICL, we only add a lens without destroying your anatomy. It can be removed at any time in minutes. With lens exchange, we remove your own lens. This is a permanent, irreversible process.

What are "halos" and "starbursts" after a lens exchange?

Multifocal lenses refract light in different rings. At night, scattered light can occur at these rings (halos around car headlights). The brain learns through “neuroadaptation” in the first 3 to 6 months to filter out these effects. With EDOF lenses, this risk is extremely minimized.

When will my vision be sharp after the surgery?

Visual recovery is extremely fast. Most patients see excellently on the first day after surgery. However, with multifocal lenses in lens exchange, the brain still needs a few weeks to perfectly adapt to the new, stepless optics.

When can I return to work after lens surgery?

Most patients are fully able to work again 2 to 3 days after the operation and can also work on a screen.

How long do I have to wait to exercise?

Light sports (jogging, exercise bike) are allowed again after 3-4 days. Swimming (Alte Donau, thermal baths) and sauna are strictly forbidden for 3 weeks to avoid severe bacterial infections inside the eye (endophthalmitis). You should avoid combat sports for about 4 weeks.

What is a secondary cataract and how is it treated?

A posterior capsule opacification only occurs with lens exchange. Months or years after the operation, the natural lens capsule can become cloudy. Vision becomes milky. We “polish” this capsule painlessly in the office with a YAG laser in 60 seconds. After that, vision is crystal clear forever.

Am I allowed to drive myself after the surgery?

Absolutely not on the day of the surgery. At the medical check-up the following day, Dr. Derhartunian will give you consent as soon as the legal visual acuity is reached.

Why can't I use face cream or make-up on the day of the surgery?

Makeup particles and cream vapors endanger the microbiological sterility in the operating room. Please come with a freshly washed, completely makeup-free face.

Can I wear make-up after the procedure?

Please completely refrain from eye make-up for at least 1 week to prevent infections from bacteria in mascara or eyeshadow.

Why can't I wear contact lenses before the preliminary examination?

Contact lenses deform the cornea and affect the biometric measurements for the artificial lens. Please remove soft lenses 1 week and hard lenses 4 weeks before the examination.

Are both eyes operated on the same day?

With ICL, we often implant both eyes on the same day. With lens exchange, we often prefer a few days to a week between the right and left eye to optimally monitor wound healing.

Can I get a lens despite severe astigmatism?

Yes, absolutely. Both the EVO ICL and premium replacement lenses are available as “toric” versions. These are precisely adapted to the axis of your astigmatism.

What happens if a toric lens rotates in the eye?

Toric lenses must be precisely aligned to the degree in the axis. In very rare cases (approx. 1-3%), the lens can rotate minimally in the eye. In this case, we readjust the lens to the perfect position in a short, sterile procedure.

Why does the preliminary examination at EyeLaser take almost two hours?

Premium safety allows no rushing. Precise optical biometry (IOL Master), measurement of anterior chamber depth (MS39), endothelial cell count, and retinal examination with dilated pupils all take time. Added to this is the detailed medical consultation and informed-consent discussion.

What are the costs for lens implants in Vienna?

Lens implants are the high-end class of surgery. An EVO ICL or a lens exchange with premium lenses (EDOF/trifocal) often costs between 3,000 and 4,500 Euros per eye. The price reflects the extremely high material costs of the Swiss or US implants (Collamer).

Does the Austrian health insurance fund (ÖGK) cover the costs?

No. Health insurance only covers a standard lens for already advanced cataracts. Implantation for glasses-free vision is considered a private service. However, you can claim the costs as “extraordinary expenses” in your employee tax assessment.

Do you offer installment payments?

Yes, in cooperation with our reliable financing partners, we offer convenient installment payments.

Can I still have cataract surgery later after an ICL procedure?

Yes, absolutely without problems. Should you develop cataracts in old age (e.g., at 75), the EVO ICL will be removed in a few minutes, and a normal cataract operation (lens exchange) will be performed. The ICL absolutely does not block any medical paths for you in the future.

What happens during follow-up checks?

Our follow-up schedule is strict: 1 day after surgery, 1 week after surgery (extremely important for checking intraocular pressure and lens position), 1 month after surgery, and an annual check-up. We provide continuous support.

What does "FLACS" mean in lens exchange?

FLACS stands for Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery. Here, a femtosecond laser performs highly precise steps that would otherwise be carried out by the surgeon with a scalpel (e.g., the exactly circular opening of the lens capsule). This leads to an even better and safer centering of the premium lens.