Refractive lens replacement and cataract surgery: no more cataracts, vision defects, presbyopia, or vision aids

Multifocal lenses (MFLs) have more than one focal point, allowing you to see at near, medium and far distances – without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
A special advantage over monofocal lenses is that they can also correct astigmatism.

We offer you the latest generation of lenses: Isofocal lenses (EDOF).
These special multifocal lenses focus primarily on distance and intermediate range vision.
This works by providing an area of increased depth of field that makes the transition between near and far vision smoother.

This makes your viewing experience even more natural and impressive.

During the preliminary examination, an individualized treatment plan is developed for you, optimally designed to treat your visual defect or eye disease.

On the day of the operation, your pupils will be dilated with the help of medications.
After 30 minutes, the eye is anesthetized with an anesthetic drop so that the lens replacement procedure 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 circumferentially.
With the help of modified ultrasound (phacoemulsification), the natural lens is liquefied or crushed and sucked out.

If you decide to use a femtosecond laser, the incision is not made with a scalpel, but with high precision using a laser.
In both cases, the result is that the empty lens capsule (also known as the capsular bag) is left behind.

An artificial lens (monofocal or multifocal) is implanted through a tiny incision using an injector.
The folded lens can unfold and take the place of the natural lens.
Substances used during the operation are removed by suction, and the wound is sutured.

To prevent infections, we immediately inject an antibiotic into the anterior chamber.
After the operation, you will be given appropriate eye drops, which should also prevent inflammation.
A protective membrane protects against external influences such as friction for the first few days.
Pay attention to it:

• Do not apply any pressure to the operated eye
• No physical activity
• Use of the pool and sauna is prohibited
• Read less to avoid eye strain
• Follow the drip schedule

The next day, we meet again at EyeLaser in Vienna or Linz for a second examination (appointment 1 of 2).

Similar to refractive lens replacement, the artificial lens can be replaced on an outpatient basis.
If the refractive power changes or needs to change, a new, individually tailored multifocal or toric lens can be implanted.
The EyeLaser laser centers in Vienna and Linz will be happy to help you with refractive lens replacement, presbyopia correction and all other questions regarding lens surgery and laser eye surgery.

Artificial lenses are usually designed to stay in the eye for the rest of your life.
In contrast to your own lens, the lens cannot become cloudy, which means that a (new) cataract cannot develop.
If there are no complications (e.g. secondary cataracts), the artificial lens can remain in the eye forever.

As a rule, after cataract surgery, patients go on sick leave for two weeks.
This helps to fully recover from cataract surgery or presbyopia correction and avoid eye strain in the initial period.
Of course, it also depends on your profession.
In particular, you should avoid physically demanding professions where there is a risk of eye damage (even by accident).

At EyeLaser, we will individually discuss with you how long you should refrain from work after the procedure and issue an appropriate sick leave.

There are now different types of multifocal lenses that are used to replace the natural lens.
The lens is implanted by replacing the lens and is crucial for the patient’s vision after surgery.
At EyeLaser, we mainly use multifocal lenses (MIOL) with three focal points (trifocal).
This allows you to see clearly at near, far and medium distances.

A further development of MIOL is the so-called EDOF lens.
It impresses with its improved depth of field at medium distances and provides even more natural transitions – similar to varifocal lenses.

Toric lens: If the lens is toric, it can correct astigmatism as well as other vision defects.

Replacing your natural lens with a premium lens can quickly become expensive.
However, due to clouding of the eye lens caused by cataracts and/or presbyopia, surgery is sometimes medically necessary.
Especially for people who cannot have laser vision correction 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 confirmed intolerance and therefore cannot wear glasses or contact lenses despite your visual impairment.
• In some cases: You suffer from a visual impairment of more than ten diopters and have a confirmed contact lens intolerance.
• In some cases: Your vision is more than three diopters in both eyes and you cannot tolerate contact lenses.

Private co-payment for lifestyle options is also possible by agreement with a public or private health insurance fund.

You can learn more about the options for covering the cost of refractive lens replacement in the overview: Costs of lens replacement surgery.