Cataract

Cataract

Affected individuals typically first notice a decline in their visual acuity. This process typically advances very slowly, over months to years. Patients often feel that their glasses prescription is no longer accurate, or they describe their vision as if looking through frosted glass. Increased sensitivity to light can also be a consequence, with glares being particularly troublesome, especially when driving at night.

To date, there are no medications available for cataract treatment. The only treatment option remains the surgical removal of the cloudy human lens and its replacement with an artificial one.

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Vista Eye Clinic Pfaeffikon SZ

Bahnhofstrasse 15

CH- 8808 Pfaeffikon SZ

Tel. +41 55 552 16 66
Fax +41 55 552 16 65

E-Mail augenklinik.pfaeffikon@vista.ch

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If cataracts have been diagnosed in your case, and the decision has been made to address them surgically, various measurements are taken in a preoperative evaluation. Based on these measurements, the correct power of the intraocular lenses to be implanted in your eyes is determined.

The lens power is chosen to enable good vision either at a distance or up close after the operation. However, there are also special lenses that can achieve both for suitable patients. Furthermore, there are specialized lenses that offer improved visual quality. The treatment with a standard lens is fully covered by health insurance, but for the implantation of a special lens, the price difference must be covered by the patient.

Your treating physician will provide comprehensive information about the surgery and advise on which lens types are suitable for you. You will also be thoroughly and transparently informed about any additional costs during the consultation. The decision to opt for any of the supplementary options is entirely up to you.

In a typically brief surgery under local anesthesia, the natural eye lens is removed while preserving the lens capsule as intact as possible. The desired artificial lens is then inserted into the lens capsule. The surgery is performed through a small incision in the eye, which usually does not require sutures.

There are two methods for breaking down the eye lens:

In the traditional method, it is fragmented and aspirated by the surgeon using ultrasound.

Alternatively, FEMTO-laser can be used for fragmentation.

The use of the specialized laser makes sense in challenging cases, as it can divide the lens more gently and precisely. However, the use of the femtosecond laser is an additional service and is not covered by health insurance.

The first postoperative examination is scheduled for the day after the procedure. The doctor will assess your eye and provide you with further information on postoperative care. Generally, there is a significant improvement in vision within the first few days after the operation. The final check-up takes place a few weeks after the surgery.